India’s human spaceflight programme has achieved a key milestone with the successful qualification level load test of Drogue Parachute for Gaganyaan programme at Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh. RTRS is a specialized dynamic test facility being used extensively for high speed aerodynamic and ballistic evaluations.
The test was conducted on February 18, 2026 with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, DRDO alongside various TBRL’s dedicated teams. The RTRS dynamic test, simulating qualification level loads which are higher than the maximum flight loads, shows the additional design safety margin of parachute.
The test proves India’s expertise in designing and manufacturing of high strength ribbon parachutes. The achievement once again highlights TBRL’s immense contributions by providing advanced test facilities, instrumentation and technical expertise for space and defence programmes.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh has complimented DRDO, ISRO and Industry on the successful qualification test for Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute. The test is another big step in furthering the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, he said.
Secretary, Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat has also congratulated the teams associated with the successful qualification level load test.
