ISRO Conducts Deployment Test On ‘Gaganyaan Pilot’ & 'Apex Cover Separation’ Parachutes

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) conducted a deployment test called ‘Rail Track Rocket Sled’ of the Gaganyaan Pilot and Apex Cover Separation (ACS) parachutes, according to a media report on Tuesday.

The test was in cluster configurations at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh scheduled on the 1st and 3rd of March.

Commenting on the test, ISRO said, the first test was the simulation of the clustered deployment of two pilot parachutes, one subjected to a minimum angle owing to its flow conditions while the second subject to a maximum angle with respect to flow. 

It added that these pilot parachutes are a part of the ‘Gaganyaan’ mission for extracting and deploying the main parachutes independently.

According to reports, it further stated that the second test simulated the clustered deployment under maximum dynamic pressure conditions of two ACS parachutes.

ISRO further claimed that the test also helped simulate clustered deployment of 90-degree angle attack conditions for the crew module. And hinted at the ACS parachutes and their use in the Gaganyaan mission was to separate the apex cover mounted on the Crew Module.

The space agency added that pilot and ACS parachutes were in deployment using a pyrotechnic mortar device.

The official statement emphasised the Gaganyaan parachute system development as a joint effort by VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram and Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), Agra.