NEW DELHI: India’s maiden human spaceflight programme achieved a big boost with the successful qualification level load test of the drogue parachute for the Gaganyaan programme at DRDO’s Rail Track Rocket Sledge (RTRS) facility in Chandigarh.RTRS is a specialised dynamic test facility being used extensively for high-speed aerodynamic and ballistic evaluations. DRDO conducted the test on Feb 18 along with Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), Isro, Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) and Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) teams.The dynamic test, simulating qualification level loads that are higher than the maximum flight loads, shows the additional design safety margin of the parachute. It proved India’s expertise in designing and manufacturing high-strength ribbon parachutes, a release added.Defence minister Rajnath Singh and DRDO chairman Samir V Kamat complimented DRDO, Isro and industry on the successful qualification test for Gaganyaan drogue parachute test, saying the test is another big step in furthering the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.