ISRO conducts Rail Track rocket sled deployment tests of Gaganyaan Pilot, ACS parachutes

At Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) in Chandigarh, Indian Research Organization (ISRO) conducted rail-track rocket sled deployment tests of Gaganyaan Pilot and Apex Cover Separation (ACS) parachutes in cluster configurations on March 1 and 3, 2023, according to ANI.

ISRO released an official statement, saying that first test replicated clustered deployment of two pilot parachutes: one was subjected to flow conditions at a minimum angle, while or was at a maximum angle with respect to flow.

" test also simulated clustered deployment at a 90-degree angle of attack conditions for crew module. ACS parachutes are used in Gaganyaan mission to separate apex cover mounted on Crew Module. Both pilot and ACS parachutes were deployed using a pyrotechnic mortar device. Gaganyaan parachute system development has been a joint effort by VSSC, Thiruvananthapuram, and Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (RDE), Agra," Indian ncy said. 

commercial arm of ISRO, New India Ltd. (NSIL), intends to increase number of missions it completes annually with its Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV). state-run corporation has so far produced three SSLV rockets, according to Rhakrishnan Durairaj, chairman and managing director of NSIL, and following early-year success of first rocket, it has begun approaching private clients about satellite launch contracts. 

SSLV is first small, domestic rocket to reach low-Earth orbit (LEO), which is located around 700 kilometres above surface of planet. Paylo, or satellites that a light rocket can launch into , has a capacity of roughly 500 kg. Up to 2,000 kg of cargo may rmally be carried by larger rockets like Isro's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).