Gaganyaan

Timeline

1. 14 Jul2026
   Science and tech

   ISRO completes key Gaganyaan crew module and parachute qualification tests ahead of G1¹²³

   In July 2026 ISRO reported completing crew module uprighting, separation and apex cover tests, and ran the IMAT-05 main parachute air-drop on 7 July, in preparation for the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission (G1).

   • IMAT-05 main parachute air-drop test on 7 July 2026 at Sheopur, from 2.5 km using an IAF IL-76
   • Crew module uprighting, CSU-2 separation and apex cover structural tests completed
   • Deceleration system has 10 parachutes of 4 types
   • G1 uncrewed mission targeted for 2026; no confirmed launch date found
2. 12 Jul2026
   Science and tech

   ISRO completes three Gaganyaan crew module qualification tests⁴⁵

   ISRO completed three Gaganyaan crew-module qualification tests: the uprighting system (floatation bag inflation), umbilical (CSU-2) separation, and the apex-cover structure tested at about 1.75 times flight loads.

   • ISRO completed three Gaganyaan crew-module qualification tests: the uprighting system (floatation bag inflation), umbilical (CSU-2) separation, and the apex-cover structure tested at about 1.75 times flight loads
3. 10 Apr2026
   Science and tech

   ISRO conducts second integrated air drop test of Gaganyaan crew module⁶

   ISRO carried out the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) of the Gaganyaan crew module on 10 April at Sriharikota: an IAF Chinook lifted a simulated module of about 5.7 tonnes to roughly 3 km and ten parachutes slowed its descent into the sea, with the Indian Navy recovering it.

   • Test on 10 April 2026 at Sriharikota (IADT-02); the first test, IADT-01, was on 24 August 2025
   • Simulated crew module of about 5.7 tonnes dropped from about 3 km by an IAF Chinook
   • Ten parachutes of four types deployed in sequence; Navy recovered the module
   • Validates parachute-based deceleration for Gaganyaan
4. 18 Feb2026
   Science and tech

   DRDO conducts drogue parachute qualification test for Gaganyaan at TBRL Chandigarh⁷⁸

   DRDO, with ISRO and ADRDE, conducted a dynamic qualification test of the Gaganyaan drogue parachute on the Rail Track Rocket Sled at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory, Chandigarh on 18 February, announced on 19 February. The test simulated loads above maximum flight loads.

   • Test conducted 18 February 2026 (Defence Ministry statement on 19 February)
   • Facility: Rail Track Rocket Sled, Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh
   • Item tested: drogue parachute of the Gaganyaan crew module, at qualification-level loads higher than maximum flight loads
   • Partners: DRDO, ISRO, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment
   • Earlier drogue parachute tests at the same facility on 18-19 December 2025
5. 18 Dec2025
   Science and tech

   ISRO and DRDO complete Gaganyaan drogue parachute tests⁹¹⁰¹¹

   ISRO and DRDO qualified the Gaganyaan crew module's drogue parachutes in sled tests at Chandigarh on 18 and 19 December. Deployment at speeds above 600 kmph was a step towards the first uncrewed G1 mission.

   • Drogue parachute qualification tests on 18-19 December 2025 at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility of TBRL, Chandigarh
   • VSSC, DRDO's ADRDE and TBRL took part
   • Crew module deceleration system has 10 parachutes of four types
   • Step towards the uncrewed Gaganyaan G1 mission

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Sources

1. The Week
2. ISRO
3. Deccan Chronicle
4. Business Standard
5. The Week
6. ISRO
7. All India Radio
8. Swarajya (December 2025 tests)
9. ISRO (official)
10. Business Today
11. DT Next