ISRO clears Gaganyaan module separation tests ahead of 2026 mission

ISRO completed crew module separation tests at Thiruvananthapuram, validating a critical system ahead of the G1 uncrewed Gaganyaan mission in 2026.

ISRO has successfully completed a series of Crew Module-Service Module separation tests for the Gaganyaan programme, a key milestone ahead of the first uncrewed mission G1 targeted for launch in 2026. The tests were conducted at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram using an instrumented test rig that simulated the integrated orbital module.

The Gaganyaan Orbital Module has the Crew Module and Service Module joined by a separation system, with electrical and fluid servicing running through umbilical connections. The two modules fly together from launch until the end of the orbital phase, after which the Crew Module must separate cleanly through a precisely sequenced chain of pyrotechnic events before re-entry into the atmosphere. The tests validated that design and the severing of multiple umbilical connections.

Beyond the separation system itself, the tests demonstrated the shock-survivability of critical Crew Module subsystems, including avionics, inertial navigation, the thermal protection heat shields and the deployable umbilical shield. ISRO said the successful trials give confidence in the system ahead of the G1 mission.