DRDO conducts successful qualification test for Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute

Key facts

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the qualification level load test of the Drogue Parachute for the Gaganyaan programme on 18 February 2026 at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh.
• The test was jointly carried out by teams from Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE), DRDO and TBRL.
• The RTRS dynamic test simulated qualification level loads higher than maximum flight loads, demonstrating additional design safety margin of the parachute.
• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, ISRO and Industry on the achievement, stating it advances the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat congratulated the teams involved in the successful test.