The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully tested a new solid motor for a sub-orbital vehicle supporting the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program [1].
This development is critical because it allows engineers to validate the crew module's parachute system before astronauts are launched into space. Ensuring a safe return to Earth is the primary safety requirement for any crewed mission.
The new motor is a modified version of a PSLV motor [1]. This adaptation allows the vehicle to loft the crew module to high altitudes to simulate the conditions of reentry and descent [1]. By testing the parachute deployment in these environments, ISRO can verify that the recovery system will function as intended during a live mission.
"This vehicle will test the crew module’s parachute system by lofting it to high altitudes," ISRO said [1].
The sub-orbital vehicle serves as a bridge between ground simulations and full orbital flights. The recent test confirms that the propulsion system can provide the necessary thrust to reach the altitudes required for parachute validation. This step reduces the risk of failure during the final stages of the Gaganyaan mission.
An unnamed ISRO official said the result strengthens validation of the crew module recovery system before crewed spaceflight [2].
ISRO continues to refine the components of the Gaganyaan program, focusing on the safety of the crew module. The successful motor test ensures that the parachute trials can proceed, providing the data necessary to certify the vehicle for human occupants.
“The new motor is a modified version of a PSLV motor.”
The successful testing of this motor indicates that ISRO is moving from the theoretical and simulation phase into physical validation of its recovery systems. By utilizing a modified PSLV motor, the agency is leveraging existing, proven technology to solve the specific challenge of high-altitude parachute deployment. This reduces the likelihood of catastrophic failure during the return phase of the Gaganyaan mission, which is often the most dangerous part of human spaceflight.
