Gaganyaan Integrated Air Drop Test: Crew Module Landing System & Safe Re-entry Explained

Indian Space Research Organisation has successfully conducted the Second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) to test safe landing of the crew module for Gaganyaan Mission.

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About the Gaganyaan Integrated Air Drop Test

• The test validated the Crew Module’s parachute-based deceleration system, crucial for controlled descent.
• Purpose: The test focuses on the most critical phase of Gaganyaan, the safe return of astronauts, ensuring reliable descent and splashdown systems.
• Test Procedure: A simulated crew module is air-dropped from altitude and descends using a multi-stage parachute system to test stability and deceleration.
• Safe Landing Mechanism: It confirmed the system’s ability to reduce high re-entry velocity to safe limits for splashdown in the sea.

Gaganyaan Orbital Module

• Components: The Gaganyaan Mission orbital module consists of Crew Module (CM) for astronauts and Service Module (SM) for propulsion.
• De-orbiting Mechanism: The Service Module thrusters perform de-orbiting manoeuvres to bring the spacecraft back towards Earth.
• Service Module Separation:  After de-orbiting, the SM separates and burns up during re-entry due to intense atmospheric heat.

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How Will Gaganyaan Crew Land?

• Controlled Re-entry: The Crew Module follows a precise re-entry corridor and will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere at ~7,800 m/s carrying astronauts.
• Aerobraking: The module will lose most of its kinetic energy through aerobraking, where atmospheric drag slows it down significantly.
  • Aerobraking is the process by which a spacecraft slows down by using Earth’s atmosphere, where air resistance (drag) reduces its speed without using fuel.
• Parachute-Based Descent: At ~12 km altitude, a multi-stage parachute system will deploy sequentially to further reduce speed and stabilise descent.
• Controlled Splashdown: The module will land in the Bay of Bengal, with water acting as a natural shock absorber.
• Elliptical Landing Zone: Due to high forward momentum and minimal lateral control, the module lands within an elongated elliptical zone.
• Post-Landing Stabilisation: Parachutes will be released and flotation bags will inflate automatically to keep the module upright and stable.
• Tracking & Location: The module will transmit GPS signals, homing beacons, and visual markers (dye, strobe lights) for quick identification.
• Recovery by Indian Navy: The Indian Navy will retrieve the module using divers, flotation collars, and ships to safely extract the astronauts (Gaganyatris).

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