Bengaluru: A sequence of qualification trials for drogue parachutes, conducted to refine the deceleration mechanism for ISRO's Gaganyaan crew module, proved successful, the space agency announced Saturday.

These evaluations wrapped up at the Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) setup of the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh on December 18 and 19, ISRO stated.

The Gaganyaan crew module's deceleration array features 10 parachutes across four categories, the agency detailed.

ISRO explained that the descent kicks off with two apex cover separation parachutes jettisoning the parachute bay's shield. Next come two drogue parachutes to steady and slow the module.

"Upon release of the drogues, three pilot parachutes are deployed to extract three main parachutes, which further slow down the crew module to ensure a safe touchdown," ISRO elaborated.

Drogue parachutes form a vital element, stabilising the module and slashing re-entry speed to safe thresholds, the space body noted.

"This specific test series aimed to rigorously evaluate the performance and reliability of the drogue parachutes under extreme conditions. Both the RTRS tests on drogue parachutes were successfully conducted on December 18 and 19, 2025. Achieving all the test objectives and confirming their robustness even under the situation of significant variation in flight conditions," ISRO affirmed.

The tests' triumph signals major progress in certifying the parachute setup for human spaceflight, backed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment, DRDO, and TBRL, the statement concluded.

With inputs from PTI