On August 24, 2025, ISRO achieved a landmark breakthrough with the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) a critical proof-of-concept for the Gaganyaan mission’s crew safety systems. A simulated crew module weighing around 4.8 tonnes was lifted by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter and released from an altitude near 3 km over the Bay of Bengal. The test replicated a real mission scenario, possibly even an abort situation, to validate the module’s descent and recovery process.

A meticulously choreographed sequence of four parachute types ensured controlled deceleration: Apex Cover Separation (ACS), Drogue, Pilot, and Main parachutes, culminating in a terminal velocity of about 8 m/s for safe splashdown. Post-splashdown, INS Anvesha recovered the module and delivered it safely to Chennai port.

This was a truly cross-agency mission ISRO, DRDO (via ADRDE), Indian Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard teamed up to make this possible. The success of IADT-01 not only proves the parachute system’s readiness it propels Gaganyaan closer to future milestones like TV-D2 and the first uncrewed (G1) flight, paving the way for India’s first crewed space mission, expected around 2027.