Last week, ISRO conducted another key test to prepare for the launch of the country’s first manned spaceflight mission – a test to check whether the crew module can remain stable if there is a delay in opening one of the main parachutes. Instead of dropping a dummy crew module with a complete system of 10 parachutes, the space agency used a platform equivalent to the mass of the crew module along with three parachutes for the test conducted on November 3 at Babina Field Firing Range (BFFR), Jhansi, an Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) press release said.
The statement added that an IL 76 aircraft dropped the platform from a height of 2.5 kilometers to conduct the test.
The goal of this test was to validate the parachute system even in potentially extreme scenarios. The scenario chosen for testing was “asymmetric disorientation” – where one of the two main parachutes fully deploys slightly later than the other. To avoid sudden jolts while deploying parachutes on the astronauts’ return journey to Earth, the parachutes open slowly in a step-by-step process known as reef inflation. Reefing essentially limits the amount of opening of the canopy, after which time the reefing allows the canopy to fully open. The concealment process is done using a Pyro device.
The test saw the deployment of a decoy parachute, followed by two main parachutes, one of which opened shortly after the first. The test was successful in demonstrating structural integrity and load distribution even in this extreme scenario, according to the ISRO student.
Gaganyaan’s crew unit is equipped with four different types of parachutes.
The first to be deployed are two 2.5-metre Apex Cover Separation parachutes, starting with the firing of ACS mortars (a system that uses compressed air to propel the parachutes away from turbulent air around the vehicle). These parachutes are intended to open and remove the top cover away from the descending vehicle. The top cover protects the canopy chamber from “return heat”.
After removing the top cover, two 5.8 meter canopies are deployed. These are intended to stabilize and significantly reduce the speed of the crew unit. Once these parachutes complete the first stage of deceleration, they are separated. Experimental mortar rounds are then fired to release three 3.4-metre-long experimental chutes. The mission of these pilot chutes is to extract and deploy the three main 25-meter parachutes. The main parachutes are intended to reduce speed to a safe level before landing. After that, they are also released before the recovery team goes to get the crew module.
Story continues below this ad
The space agency tested the entire parachute system under normal conditions in August this year. The first manned mission under the Gaganyaan program is scheduled to take place in 2027, and the first unmanned mission is likely to take place at the end of this year.
Stay up to date with the latest developments – click here to follow us on Instagram
© Indian Express Private Limited
(Tattranslate)ISRO(T)ISRO Gaganyaan Mission(T)Gaganyaan Mission()Gaganyaan Mission Human Spaceflight(T)Gaganyaan Mission Crew Module Parachute Testing(T)Babian Jhansi Firing Range(T)Indian Express
