ISRO IADT-01 & DRDO IADWS – Defence & Space Milestone
Exam Level: UPSC Foundation / Defence Awareness | Content Type: Notes + MCQs
🚀 1️⃣ ISRO – Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01)
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for the upcoming Gaganyaan Mission from Sriharikota.
🎯 Purpose: To validate the parachute-based deceleration system ensuring astronauts’ safe re-entry and splashdown.
🔹 Parachute System Components
- ✔️ Two Drogue Parachutes – Initial deceleration
- ✔️ Pilot Chutes – Deployment of main parachutes
- ✔️ Three Main Parachutes – Final safe descent
🤝 Joint Exercise: ISRO, Indian Air Force, DRDO, Indian Navy, Indian Coast Guard.
🛡️ 2️⃣ DRDO – Integrated Air Defence Weapon System (IADWS)
DRDO successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the IADWS on August 24, 2025 off the coast of Chandipur, Odisha.
🇮🇳 IADWS is a fully indigenous, multi-layered air defence shield.
🔹 Key Components
| System | Role |
|---|---|
| QRSAM | Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile |
| VSHORADS | Very Short Range Air Defence Missile |
| Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) | High-power laser-based interception |
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh termed it a major boost to India’s strategic autonomy and air defence strength.
📝 3️⃣ Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)
Question 1:
What was the purpose of ISRO’s IADT-01?
A) Test rocket propulsion
B) Validate parachute-based deceleration system
C) Test docking system
D) Lunar landing test
Answer: B
Explanation: It validated the crew module’s parachute system for safe re-entry.
What was the purpose of ISRO’s IADT-01?
A) Test rocket propulsion
B) Validate parachute-based deceleration system
C) Test docking system
D) Lunar landing test
Answer: B
Explanation: It validated the crew module’s parachute system for safe re-entry.
Question 2:
Which agencies collaborated in IADT-01?
A) ISRO, NASA, ESA
B) ISRO, DRDO, IAF, Navy, Coast Guard
C) ISRO, HAL, Army
D) ISRO, SpaceX
Answer: B
Explanation: The test involved multiple Indian defence and security agencies.
Which agencies collaborated in IADT-01?
A) ISRO, NASA, ESA
B) ISRO, DRDO, IAF, Navy, Coast Guard
C) ISRO, HAL, Army
D) ISRO, SpaceX
Answer: B
Explanation: The test involved multiple Indian defence and security agencies.
Question 3:
The parachute system included:
A) Only main parachutes
B) Drogue, pilot & main parachutes
C) Booster airbags
D) Ram-air parachutes only
Answer: B
Explanation: It had drogue for initial deceleration, pilot for deployment, and main for safe descent.
The parachute system included:
A) Only main parachutes
B) Drogue, pilot & main parachutes
C) Booster airbags
D) Ram-air parachutes only
Answer: B
Explanation: It had drogue for initial deceleration, pilot for deployment, and main for safe descent.
Question 4:
IADWS includes which systems?
A) Ballistic missiles
B) QRSAM, VSHORADS, Laser-based DEW
C) Hypersonic glide vehicles
D) Cruise missiles
Answer: B
Explanation: It integrates short-range missiles and directed energy weapons.
IADWS includes which systems?
A) Ballistic missiles
B) QRSAM, VSHORADS, Laser-based DEW
C) Hypersonic glide vehicles
D) Cruise missiles
Answer: B
Explanation: It integrates short-range missiles and directed energy weapons.
Question 5:
Where was the IADWS maiden test conducted?
A) Pokhran
B) Balasore
C) Chandipur coast, Odisha
D) Sriharikota
Answer: C
Explanation: Conducted off the coast of Chandipur, a DRDO missile testing site.
Where was the IADWS maiden test conducted?
A) Pokhran
B) Balasore
C) Chandipur coast, Odisha
D) Sriharikota
Answer: C
Explanation: Conducted off the coast of Chandipur, a DRDO missile testing site.
