Indian Space Research Organisation has marked another key milestone in its human spaceflight programme by successfully carrying out the second Integrated Air-Drop Test (IADT-02) for the Gaganyaan mission.
The test was conducted on April 10, 2026, at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, focusing on the Crew Module’s performance during the final phase of its return to Earth. As part of the exercise, the 5.7-ton module was lifted by a Boeing CH-47 Chinook helicopter and dropped from an altitude of 3 km over the Bay of Bengal near the Sriharikota coast.
Following the release, the module executed a precisely timed parachute deployment sequence designed to stabilise its descent and reduce speed for a safe splashdown. The multi-stage system, consisting of parachutes with different roles and sizes, functioned as intended, ensuring controlled descent under simulated re-entry conditions.
The primary objective of IADT-02 was to validate the parachute systems and recovery mechanisms critical for the safe return of astronauts from orbit. Recovery operations were successfully carried out by teams including the Indian Navy, highlighting seamless coordination between agencies involved in mission retrieval.
This test builds on the earlier air-drop trial conducted in 2025, which first demonstrated the effectiveness of the parachute system. Together, these trials are part of a broader qualification programme aimed at rigorously testing all mission-critical systems in realistic scenarios.
The Gaganyaan programme represents India’s first effort to send humans into low Earth orbit using an indigenously developed spacecraft. The mission will carry Indian astronauts, referred to as “Gaganyatris,” and stands as a major step in advancing the country’s capabilities in human space exploration.
