The Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO) conducted the Rail Track Rocket Sled deployment tests
of the Gaganyaan Pilot and Apex Cover Separation (ACS)
parachutes in cluster configurations.
The tests were conducted at the Terminal Ballistics Research
Laboratory (TBRL), Chandigarh, on March 1 and 3, ISRO said
today.
The first test simulated the clustered deployment of two pilot
parachutes. One parachute was subjected to a minimum angle
with respect to flow conditions and the second parachute was
subjected to a maximum angle with respect to flow.
These pilot parachutes are used in India’s first manned Gaganyaan
mission to extract and deploy the main parachutes independently.
The second test simulated the clustered deployment of two ACS
parachutes under maximum dynamic pressure conditions, ISRO
said.
The test also simulated clustered deployment at a 90-degree angle
of attack conditions for the crew module.
The ACS parachutes are used in the Gaganyaan mission for the
separation of the apex cover mounted on the Crew Module. Both
pilot and ACS parachutes were deployed using a pyrotechnic mortar
device.
The Gaganyaan parachute system development has been a joint effort
by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Thiruvananthapuram and
Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE),
Agra.
