India’s human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan, crossed another major milestone with the successful qualification-level load test of its drogue parachute at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), a premier DRDO establishment in Chandigarh.
The test, conducted on February 18, 2026, was jointly executed by teams from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) of ISRO, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) of DRDO, and TBRL. The RTRS facility—an advanced dynamic testing range—is extensively used for high‑speed aerodynamic and ballistic evaluations.
During the trial, the drogue parachute was subjected to qualification‑level dynamic loads, designed to exceed maximum expected flight loads. The successful performance under these higher stress levels confirms the additional design safety margins built into the system.
Officials said the achievement underscores India’s growing proficiency in the design and manufacture of high‑strength ribbon parachutes, a critical component in ensuring the safe deceleration and recovery of the Gaganyaan crew module during re‑entry.
The milestone also reflects the significant role of TBRL in India’s strategic and space programs, offering sophisticated test infrastructure, instrumentation, and technical expertise.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, ISRO, and industry partners on the successful test, calling it “another big step toward realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat” in advanced space technologies.
The test, conducted on February 18, 2026, was jointly executed by teams from the Vikram Sarabhai Space Center (VSSC) of ISRO, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) of DRDO, and TBRL. The RTRS facility—an advanced dynamic testing range—is extensively used for high‑speed aerodynamic and ballistic evaluations.
During the trial, the drogue parachute was subjected to qualification‑level dynamic loads, designed to exceed maximum expected flight loads. The successful performance under these higher stress levels confirms the additional design safety margins built into the system.
Officials said the achievement underscores India’s growing proficiency in the design and manufacture of high‑strength ribbon parachutes, a critical component in ensuring the safe deceleration and recovery of the Gaganyaan crew module during re‑entry.
The milestone also reflects the significant role of TBRL in India’s strategic and space programs, offering sophisticated test infrastructure, instrumentation, and technical expertise.
Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, ISRO, and industry partners on the successful test, calling it “another big step toward realizing the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat” in advanced space technologies.
