ISRO's Second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) for Gaganyaan Mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) for the Gaganyaan mission on April 10 at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

Test Details

• The test involved a simulated Crew Module that represents the capsule carrying astronauts during a human space flight.
• The Crew Module, weighing approximately 5.7 tonnes, was lifted by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter to an altitude of about 3 km.
• The module was released over a designated drop zone in the sea near the Sriharikota coast.
• A total of 10 parachutes of four different types were deployed in a precise sequence to ensure safe descent and touchdown.

ISRO confirmed that the parachute-based deceleration systems were validated as the Crew Module was successfully recovered in coordination with the Indian Navy.

Significance

• This test is a crucial step towards readiness for the Gaganyaan G1 Mission, slated as India’s first human space flight next year.
• It marks a significant milestone with the active support of the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, acknowledged the accomplishment in a social media post, highlighting the importance of the test for the Gaganyaan mission.

Previous Test

• The first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) was successfully carried out on August 24, 2025, at the same location.