Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Tests SOLVE Rocket Motor for Gaganyaan Mission

Key facts

• The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) completed the first ground test of the solid motor for its Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) on 3 July 2026 at Sriharikota.
• The static test of the SOLVE-ST01 motor was conducted at the Static Test Facility of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
• SOLVE is designed to carry the Gaganyaan Crew Module to altitudes between 10 and 17 km to validate a deceleration system involving the deployment of ten parachutes.
• The vehicle's solid stage is adapted from the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) strap-on motor and features a slow burn-rate propellant and Secondary Injection Thrust Vector Control system.
• The parachute system comprises apex cover separation parachutes, drogue parachutes, pilot chutes, and main parachutes, where two of the three main parachutes are sufficient for a safe landing.