Bengaluru, 20 Dec

A series of qualification tests for drogue parachutes, which have been carried out to develop a deceleration system for ISRO's Gaganyaan crew module, were successful, the agency said on Saturday.

These tests were completed at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh, on 18 and 19 December, the ISRO said.

The deceleration system of the Gaganyaan crew module comprises 10 parachutes of four types, the agency said in a statement.

The descent sequence begins with the separation of two apex cover separation parachutes, which remove the protective cover from the parachute compartment. This is followed by the deployment of two drogue parachutes that stabilise and decelerate the module.

"Upon release of the drogues, three pilot parachutes are deployed to extract three main parachutes, which slow down the crew module to ensure a safe touchdown," ISRO said.

The ISRO said a crucial component is the deployment of drogue parachutes, which play a pivotal role in stabilising the crew module and reducing its velocity to a safe level during re-entry.