Question 1

Drogue parachutes are the primary mechanism for the final soft landing of a spacecraft.

Accepted Answer

Drogue parachutes are deployed at high altitudes purely to stabilize the capsule's orientation and decelerate it enough so that the main parachutes can be released without tearing.

Question 2

Parachutes open instantly to their full size to rapidly stop the spacecraft.

Accepted Answer

Gaganyaan's drogue parachutes use a 'reefing mechanism' which temporarily restricts the canopy area, allowing it to inflate in calculated stages.

Question 3

Consider the following statements regarding the Gaganyaan deceleration system:
1. The complete deceleration sequence utilizes a total of 10 parachutes, including exactly two drogue parachutes.
2. The qualification test at TBRL simulated aerodynamic loads slightly lower than maximum expected flight conditions to preserve the structural integrity of the ribbon fabric.
3. The drogue parachutes are deployed directly to extract the main parachutes from the crew module.

How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

(a) Only one — Statement 1 is correct; the system relies on 10 parachutes (2 apex, 2 drogue, 3 pilot, 3 main). Statement 2 is incorrect; the qualification test deliberately simulated loads HIGHER than expected flight conditions to prove an extra safety margin. Statement 3 is incorrect; drogue parachutes stabilize and reduce velocity, whereas the 3 PILOT parachutes are responsible for extracting the main parachutes.

Question 4

Match List I (Parachute Type in Gaganyaan) with List II (Specific Function):
List I
A. Apex Cover Parachutes
B. Drogue Parachutes
C. Pilot Parachutes
D. Main Parachutes

List II
1. Final speed reduction for safe splashdown
2. Extract the main canopies from their compartments
3. Remove the protective shield of the parachute compartment
4. Initial deceleration and module stabilization

Accepted Answer

(a) A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1 — The descent sequence is strictly ordered: First, 2 Apex cover parachutes remove the compartment cover (A-3). Second, 2 Drogue parachutes stabilize and decelerate the module (B-4). Third, 3 Pilot parachutes are deployed to extract the main canopies (C-2). Finally, 3 Main parachutes execute the major speed reduction for touchdown (D-1).

Question 5

Assertion (A): Gaganyaan's drogue parachutes are designed with a single-stage reefing mechanism and a ribbon-type fabric structure.
Reason (R): The reefing mechanism restricts the initial canopy opening to mitigate fatal opening shock, while the ribbon structure allows controlled airflow to prevent the fabric from tearing at hypersonic velocities.

Select the correct answer from the codes given below:

Accepted Answer

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A. — The assertion is a factual description of the drogue parachute's design. The reason perfectly explains the engineering necessity behind these features: reefing delays full inflation to prevent sudden, fatal deceleration (opening shock), and the ribbon design leaks air to reduce structural tearing during the violent high-speed atmospheric re-entry phase.

Gaganyaan Drogue Parachute Qualification Test

Golden Jubilee of Aryabhata Satellite Launch