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ISRO successfully carries out tests of Gaganyaan crew module systems
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This file image is used for representational purposes only. | The first test pertained to ensuring an upright position for the crew module after splashdown in the sea, considered one of the most important crew safety requirements.To do this, a stored cold-gas-based uprighting system was developed and tested.“A system-level qualification test setup consisting of all the elements of CMUS (crew module uprighting system) was realised and successful inflation tests were conducted for the primary inflation module wherein stored gas in the high-pressure gas bottle was made to inflate the flotation by operating the control valves,” the ISRO said.The second test involved examining the separation of the umbilical mechanism that serves as a link between the crew module, where astronauts live, and the service module, which provides power and propulsion.The mechanism consists of two parts, each located at the crew module side, called CSU-1, and the service module side, called CSU-2.During the crew module's Earth re-entry stage, the service module first separates from the crew module after the CSU-1 disconnects. Subsequently, just before re-entry, the CSU-2 is also separated."Separation test of CSU-2 from the simulated crew module was carried out. The test demonstrated the clean separation of CSU-2 as well as the structural stability of the crew module panel and their interfaces," the space agency said.The third test validated the structural integrity of the crew module during the apex cover separation event.The apex cover protects the parachutes and associated subsystems during the mission. It is separated before parachutes are deployed to decelerate the crew module. Published - July 12, 2026 10:27 pm IST
The SOLVE solid motor is a key component for conducting Gaganyaan Test Missions and the first ground test was carried out on July 3. | The Gaganyaan Story: A glimpse into India’s human spaceflight programmeThe SOLVE solid motor is a key component for conducting Gaganyaan Test Missions and the first ground test was carried out on July 3.ISRO is developing a solid motor based SOLVE as a test platform to carry out Integrated Parachute Tests for validation of deceleration system of Gaganyaan’s Crew Module under various test conditions.During these test missions, the Crew Module will be carried to an altitude of 10 - 17 km and separated from the vehicle.A series of 10 parachutes will be deployed to reduce the velocity of the Crew Module before splashdown in the sea.The solid stage of SOLVE is derived from the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) Strap-on Motor with few modifications to meet the Gaganyaan test requirements including development of slow burn rate propellant and straight nozzle with secondary injection thrust vector control.ISRO said that during the test motor performance parameters were as expected.Explained | How does Gaganyaan’s vital crew escape system work?“The development of the SOLVE vehicle provides flexibility in conducting Gaganyaan Test Missions simulating various conditions in the actual mission,” the space agency said.Over the last few months ISRO has carried out key tests related to the Gaganyaan mission which include the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) and a behavioral study Mission MITRA (Mapping of Interoperable Traits and Response Assessment) in Leh during which the four Indian astronauts selected for the mission along with scientists, engineers and medical teams were subjected to a weeklong behavioral study.The first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan, was scheduled to be launched in the first quarter of 2026. However, it has been delayed. Published - July 05, 2026 12:32 pm IST
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