India’s maiden human spaceflight mission Gaganyaan achieved another significant milestone with the successful qualification level load test of the Drogue Parachute, conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
In a statement on Thursday, 19 February, the Ministry of Defence stated that the test was carried out at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility of DRDO’s Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh. The qualification test simulated load conditions higher than the maximum expected during flight, demonstrating an additional safety margin in the parachute’s design.
The dynamic test was conducted on 18 February 2026 in coordination with the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre of ISRO, the Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, DRDO, along with dedicated teams from TBRL. The Rail Track Rocket Sled facility is a specialised high-speed test system used for aerodynamic and ballistic evaluations.
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The successful trial validates India’s capability in designing and manufacturing high-strength ribbon parachutes, a critical component for the safe descent and recovery of crew during the Gaganyaan mission.
The achievement also highlights TBRL’s role in providing advanced testing infrastructure and technical expertise for space and defence programmes. Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, ISRO and industry partners on the successful qualification test, describing it as another important step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.
“Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, ISRO and industry partners on the successful qualification test, describing it as another important step towards Atmanirbhar Bharat.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also congratulated the teams associated with the successful qualification level load test.”
With this development, India moves a step closer to operationalising its first human spaceflight mission under the Gaganyaan programme.
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