India Successfully Tests Parachutes for Gaganyaan Mission Using Rocket Sled

India's Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send three astronauts to low Earth orbit, conducted drogue parachute deployment tests using a rocket sled. The drogue parachutes are crucial for stabilizing the Gaganyaan crew module and reducing its velocity during reentry. The successful tests pave the way for a high-altitude abort test in September or October. The Gaganyaan mission also includes uncrewed flights to validate technology and ensure the safety of the modified Launch Vehicle Mark-3 rocket. If all goes according to plan, the first crewed Gaganyaan flight could launch as early as late 2024.