ISRO successfully completes second Air Drop Test (IADT-02) for Gaganyaan mission readiness
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. A simulated Crew Module, weighing 5.7 tonnes (equivalent to the uncrewed Gaganyaan G1 mission module), was lifted by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter to an altitude of about 3 km and released over a designated drop zone in the sea. Ten parachutes of four types deployed in a precise sequence, gradually reducing the descent velocity for a safe touchdown. The module was successfully recovered in coordination with the Indian Navy. This test validated the parachute-based deceleration systems, marking a significant step towards the readiness of the Gaganyaan G1 Mission, with support from IAF, Indian Navy, and DRDO. The first test, IADT-01, was accomplished on August 24, 2025.
Key Points
- ISRO successfully conducted the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) for the Gaganyaan mission at Sriharikota.
- The test involved dropping a 5.7-tonne simulated Crew Module from a 3 km altitude using an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter.
- The successful deployment of ten parachutes and subsequent recovery of the module validated the parachute-based deceleration systems.
- This IADT-02 is a crucial step towards ensuring the readiness of the uncrewed Gaganyaan G1 Mission.
- The test was conducted with active support and participation from the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and DRDO.
Exam Facts
- Test name: Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02).
- Location: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
- Crew Module weight: 5.7 tonnes.
- Collaborating agencies: Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).
- The first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) was accomplished on August 24, 2025.
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