Question 1

Gaganyaan's IADT test involved a live spacecraft reaching space and returning.

Accepted Answer

The test was a sub-orbital atmospheric simulation dropping a dummy crew module from a helicopter at a 3 km altitude strictly to validate parachute deployment.

Question 2

Only ISRO developed and executed the entire Gaganyaan recovery system.

Accepted Answer

The parachute systems were developed by DRDO (specifically ADRDE), and the drop and recovery operations required massive integration with the Indian Air Force, Navy, and Coast Guard.

Question 3

Consider the following statements regarding the Gaganyaan Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01):
1. The test validated the deployment of a 10-parachute system designed by DRDO's Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE).
2. The simulated Crew Module was dropped from a height of 30 km using a specialized stratospheric balloon to simulate re-entry.
3. The terminal velocity of the Crew Module was reduced to approximately 8 meters per second before splashdown.
How many of the above statements are correct?

Accepted Answer

(b) Only two — Statements 1 and 3 are correct. The parachutes were indeed developed by DRDO's ADRDE, and the main parachutes successfully reduced the module's terminal velocity to a safe 8 m/s. Statement 2 is incorrect because the simulated crew module was dropped from an altitude of 3 km (not 30 km) using an IAF Chinook heavy-lift helicopter, not a stratospheric balloon.

Question 4

Match the parachutes used in the Gaganyaan deceleration system (List I) with their primary function during the IADT-01 sequence (List II):
List I:
A. Apex Cover Separation (ACS) Parachutes
B. Drogue Parachutes
C. Pilot Parachutes
D. Main Parachutes

List II:
1. Reduces the final terminal velocity to around 8 m/s for a safe sea splashdown.
2. Extracts the largest parachutes from their stowed configuration.
3. Prevents the separated top protective shield from colliding with the descending Crew Module.
4. Provides first-stage deceleration and initial stabilization of the module.

Select the correct answer code:

Accepted Answer

(a) A-3, B-4, C-2, D-1 — The exact Gaganyaan deployment sequence: First, ACS parachutes (A) pull away the apex cover and ensure it doesn't re-contact the module (3). Next, Drogue parachutes (B) provide initial stabilization and first-stage deceleration (4). Then, Pilot parachutes (C) are deployed, which in turn pull out the Main parachutes (2). Finally, the Main parachutes (D) reduce the velocity to a safe 8 m/s for splashdown (1).

Question 5

Assertion (A): The Gaganyaan Crew Module relies on a complex phased sequence of 10 parachutes rather than deploying a single massive parachute for its descent.
Reason (R): Deploying a single massive parachute at high velocity would cause a sudden deceleration shock that could fatally injure the astronauts and compromise structural integrity.
Select the correct answer:

Accepted Answer

(a) Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A. — A single large parachute deployed at high descent speeds would experience immense aerodynamic drag instantly, causing a violent deceleration. This 'jerk' generates fatal G-forces for astronauts and could tear the parachute or damage the module. The Gaganyaan system uses a phased approach (Drogues first for stabilization, then Pilots, then Mains) to gradually bleed off speed, ensuring a survivable and controlled deceleration curve.

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