NEWS → ISRO successfully conducted IMAT-05, the 5th Integrated Main Parachute Airdrop Test, at ADRDE, Sheopur (Madhya Pradesh).

About

• A high-altitude qualification test for the Gaganyaan crew module's parachute system.
• Conducted jointly by ISRO + DRDO (ADRDE).
• Aim: Validate the strength, deployment, and safety of the crew module's main parachute under extreme re-entry conditions.

Key Features

• Dummy crew module dropped from 2.5 km using an IAF IL-76 aircraft.
• Tested the 10-parachute recovery system:
  • 2 Apex Cover Separation parachutes
  • 2 Drogue parachutes
  • 3 Pilot parachutes
  • 3 Main parachutes
• Successfully validated sequential disreefing (controlled staged opening of parachutes).

Significance

• Confirms structural integrity and backup systems of Gaganyaan's parachute system.
• Critical milestone for the upcoming uncrewed Gaganyaan G1 mission and future safe crew recovery.