SOURCE: AFI
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India’s historic Gaganyaan mission, the nation’s first human spaceflight, will rely on a critical piece of indigenously manufactured technology: the special “drouge parachute” system. Developed by the Ordnance Equipment Factory, Hazratpur, these parachutes will play a vital role in ensuring the safe return of the three-member crew.
The parachutes are not a single unit, but a sophisticated four-part system designed for a controlled descent. With a total of 28 sets planned, 12 have already been delivered to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), with the remaining 16 scheduled to arrive by August 2024.
One key component of the system is the drouge parachute. These parachutes deploy at an altitude of around 7 kilometers, acting as stabilizers and reducing the crew capsule’s velocity from freefall to approximately 190 meters per second. This initial deceleration prepares the capsule for the next stage of its descent.
Following the drouge parachutes, a set of three pilot parachutes takes over. These smaller parachutes act as triggers for the deployment of the main canopies. The three main parachutes, made from a special heat-resistant nylon fabric, further reduce the descent speed to a comfortable 10-12 meters per second, ensuring a gentle splashdown in the Indian Ocean.
The development of these parachutes represents a significant achievement for India’s space program. The special fabric, rigging lines, and chords can withstand the extreme temperatures encountered during re-entry, a testament to the expertise of Indian engineers.