India Steps Ahead on Human Spaceflight Project with Key Drogue Parachute Test

India’s human spaceflight programme achieved a key milestone on Wednesday (February 18, 2026) with the successful qualification level load test of Drogue Parachute for Gaganyaan programme at Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility of Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh.

RTRS is a specialised dynamic test facility being used extensively for high speed aerodynamic and ballistic evaluations, and the test was jointly conducted by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, ISRO, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, DRDO alongside various TBRL’s dedicated teams.

The RTRS dynamic test, simulating qualification level loads which are higher than the maximum flight loads, shows the additional design safety margin of parachute, a Ministry of Defence statement said on Thursday (February 19, 2026).

“The test proves India’s expertise in designing and manufacturing of high strength ribbon parachutes. The achievement once again highlights TBRL’s immense contributions by providing advanced test facilities, instrumentation and technical expertise for space and defence programmes.,” the statement said.

India’s Defence Minister Rajnath Singh complimented DRDO, ISRO and Industry on the successful qualification test for Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute. “The test is another big step in furthering the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” he said.

Secretary, Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat also congratulated the teams associated with the successful qualification level load test.