Goa, Aug. 24 -- On August 24, 2025, India moved one step closer to putting its citizens in space as ISRO completed its first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-1) for the Gaganyaan mission.

a five-tonne crew module mock-up was airlifted by a Chinook helicopter and dropped from several kilometres above the ground. Seconds later, a carefully sequenced series of parachutes deployed, gently lowering the capsule to safety.

The exercise was not just about hardware. It was about building confidence that when astronauts return from space, their capsule will slow down, survive re-entry, and splash into the ocean safely. "The first end-to-end demonstration of the parachute system is a success," ISRO announced.

The Gaganyaan programme is a national e...