First Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01)

Why in the News? 

ISRO carried out its maiden Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) at Sri harikota.

• This marks an important step in the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indians to space aboard an indigenously developed spacecraft.

Key Highlights: First Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01)

IADT-01 (Integrated Air Drop Test)

• Conducted at Sriharikota.
• The parachute system for slowing down the crew module, essential for ensuring astronauts’ safe landing, was successfully tested.
• VSSC (Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre) led the effort, responsible for 90% of the activities, along with Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), SDSC-SHAR, and the Indian Air Force.

Next Steps in Gaganyaan Programme

TV-D2 (Test Vehicle Mission – 2):

• Will test the Crew Escape System (CES) under critical conditions.
• Follows the success of TV-D1 in October 2023.

Uncrewed G1 Mission:

• Spacecraft will be launched on a human-rated LVM3 rocket.
• It will transport Vyom Mitra, a humanoid robot created by ISRO.
• A rehearsal before sending human astronauts.

Role of VSSC

• Designed and modelled the parachute deceleration system.
• Played a major role in IADT-01, ensuring end-to-end validation.

Significance of the Development

• Ensures astronaut safety, which is paramount in manned missions.
• Validates critical systems like crew module recovery and escape mechanisms.
• Puts India closer to achieving its first human spaceflight (expected around 2025–26).

Strengthens India’s position in the elite group of human spacefaring nations (currently only USA, Russia, China).