The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) accompanied the Rail Track Rocket Sled deployment trials of the Gaganyaan Pilot, and Apex Cover Separation (ACS) descends in cluster conformations at the Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) at Chandigarh on March 1 and 3, 2023, an official statement said.

“The first test simulated a cluster deployment of two pilot parachutes. One parachute was subjected to the minimum angle of flow conditions, and the second parachute was subjected to the maximum flow angle. These pilot parachutes were used on the Gaganyaan mission to extract and deploy the main parachute independently,” the statement read.

“The second test simulated the cluster deployment of two ACS parachutes under maximum dynamic pressure conditions. The test also simulated the cluster deployment of the crew compartment at 90 degrees angle of attack. The ACS parachute was used in the Gaganyaan mission to separate the canopy installation of the crew module.

Both the pilot and the ACS parachute were deployed using a pyrotechnic mortar device,” the statement added.
According to the statement, “The development of the Gaganyaan parachute system is a joint effort of VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram and the Agra-based Air Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE).