SYLLABUS 

GS 3: Science & Technology –  achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and development of new technology; awareness in the fields of IT, space

Context: Recently, Indian Space Research Organisation successfully conducted the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02)  at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre as part of the Gaganyaan mission.

 About  Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02)

• Simulated Crew Module (~5.7 tonnes, equivalent to Gaganyaan G1) was lifted by an Indian Air Force Chinook helicopter to ~3 km and released over a sea drop zone near Sriharikota coast .

• 10 parachutes of 4 types deployed in a precise sequence during descent. 

• Parachutes ensured gradual velocity reduction for safe touchdown.

• Module successfully recovered with Indian Navy; IADT-02 validated parachute-based deceleration system.

• The test is crucial for ensuring the safe recovery of the crew module, which carries astronauts during human spaceflight.

• The first test was conducted on August 24, 2025 at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

• A 4.8-tonne dummy Crew Module was dropped from a height of 3 km using a helicopter.

About Gaganyaan Mission

• The Gaganyaan mission envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of 3 members to an orbit of 400 km for a 3 days mission and bringing them back safely to earth by landing in Indian sea waters.

• Pre-requisites of the Gaganyaan mission include development of critical technologies such as: 

• Human rated launch vehicle for safe crew transport 
• Life Support System for Earth-like environment in space 
• Crew emergency escape system 
• Crew management including training, recovery and rehabilitation 

• Various precursor missions are planned to demonstrate Technology Preparedness Levels:

• Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT)
• Pad Abort Test (PAT)
• Test Vehicle (TV) flights

• Safety and reliability of all systems will be proven through unmanned missions before the final manned mission.

Gaganyaan Mission – Key Components and Features

Significance of IADT-02

• Marks a key milestone in the Gaganyaan mission, advancing readiness for India’s first human spaceflight. 

• Successfully validates the Crew Module’s parachute-based deceleration system, crucial for safe re-entry and landing. 

• Demonstrates effective coordination between Indian Space Research Organisation, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Defence Research and Development Organisation. 

• Strengthens confidence in crew safety systems, including controlled descent and sea recovery operations. 

• Builds on earlier tests (IADT-01) and contributes to technology validation before uncrewed (G1) and eventual crewed missions. 

Source:
The Hindu
Newsonair
ISRO
ISRO