Overview
- DRDO conducted the qualification‑level load test on February 18 at the Rail Track Rocket Sled facility of its Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory in Chandigarh.
- The dynamic trial applied forces higher than maximum expected flight loads, confirming added design safety margin for the parachute.
- The drogue deploys early during descent to stabilise and slow the crew module before main canopies in a 10‑parachute recovery system.
- Teams from ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment executed the test with TBRL instrumentation support.
- Defence Minister Rajnath Singh praised the milestone as progress toward self‑reliance, as preparations continue for the uncrewed G1 flight that India Today reports is planned for March 2026.