The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully completed the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) of its parachute-based deceleration system for the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. Conducted from ISRO’s spaceport in Sriharikota, the test validated the end-to-end parachute deployment mechanism, ensuring astronauts’ safe return during re-entry and splashdown.

The system includes:

• Two drogue parachutes (for initial deceleration),

• Pilot chutes (to deploy larger parachutes), and

• Three main parachutes (for final safe descent).

This joint exercise involved ISRO, Indian Air Force, DRDO, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard, marking a crucial milestone for Gaganyaan.

Meanwhile, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved another breakthrough with the maiden flight test of the Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) off the coast of Odisha on August 24, 2025.

The IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system, fully indigenous, and includes:

• Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile (QRSAM),

• Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS),

• High-power Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) (laser-based).

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, Armed Forces, and industry partners for this achievement, calling it a step forward in strengthening India’s air defence capabilities and strategic autonomy.

✅ MCQs for Entrance Examinations

Question 1:

What was the purpose of ISRO’s Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) under the Gaganyaan mission?
A) To test rocket propulsion in microgravity
B) To validate parachute-based deceleration system for crew safety
C) To evaluate space station docking system
D) To test lunar landing module stability
Answer: B) To validate parachute-based deceleration system for crew safety
Explanation: The IADT-01 was conducted to ensure the parachute system can safely decelerate and stabilize the crew module during re-entry and splashdown in the Gaganyaan mission.

Question 2:

Which organisations collaborated in the IADT-01 test for Gaganyaan?
A) ISRO, NASA, ESA
B) ISRO, DRDO, Indian Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard
C) ISRO, HAL, BARC, Indian Army
D) ISRO, SpaceX, Boeing
Answer: B) ISRO, DRDO, Indian Air Force, Navy, Coast Guard
Explanation: The test was a joint effort of multiple Indian agencies ensuring inter-agency coordination for astronaut safety.

Question 3:

What are the main components of the parachute system tested in IADT-01?
A) Only three main parachutes
B) Drogue, pilot, and main parachutes
C) Booster chutes and emergency airbags
D) Ram-air parachutes only
Answer: B) Drogue, pilot, and main parachutes
Explanation: The tested system involved two drogue parachutes for initial deceleration, pilot chutes to deploy the main ones, and three main parachutes for final descent.

Question 4:

What does the newly tested Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS) by DRDO include?
A) Long-range ballistic missiles and anti-satellite weapons
B) QRSAM, VSHORADS, and laser-based DEW
C) Cruise missiles and nuclear-capable missiles
D) Hypersonic glide vehicles
Answer: B) QRSAM, VSHORADS, and laser-based DEW
Explanation: IADWS is a multi-layered air defence system combining indigenous missile systems and directed energy weapons for short-range aerial defence.

Question 5:

Where was the maiden flight test of DRDO’s IADWS conducted in August 2025?
A) Pokhran, Rajasthan
B) Balasore, Odisha coast
C) Chandipur, Odisha coast
D) Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
Answer: C) Chandipur, Odisha coast
Explanation: The test was conducted off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha, a major DRDO missile testing site.