ISRO has notched another victory in its Gaganyaan preparations with the flawless execution of the IADT-02 at Sriharikota. This pivotal trial involved dropping a 5.7-tonne crew escape mock-up from a Chinook helicopter at 3 km height, targeting a precise ocean zone.
The sequence unfolded seamlessly: the module free-fell before its sophisticated parachute array—comprising ten units across four configurations—activated in perfect order. This slowed the descent to a gentle landing, after which naval divers retrieved it promptly.
Designed to certify the parachute deceleration system, IADT-02 is indispensable for Gaganyaan’s crew module re-entry phase. The program, set for a 2027 launch, will orbit three Indian astronauts, marking a historic leap for the nation’s space ambitions.
This success follows the inaugural test in August 2023, with active support from the armed forces and DRDO. Dr. Jitendra Singh hailed the team, emphasizing how such milestones fortify the pathway to human spaceflight. ISRO’s methodical approach ensures every safeguard for its astronauts, positioning India prominently on the global space stage.
