Gaganyaan mission: ISRO successfully conducts first SOLVE ground test

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully carried out the first ground test of the Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) solid motor was carried out successfully at the Static Test Facility, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

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The SOLVE solid motor is a key component for conducting Gaganyaan Test Missions and the first ground test was carried out on July 3.

ISRO is developing a solid motor based SOLVE as a test platform to carry out Integrated Parachute Tests for validation of deceleration system of Gaganyaan’s Crew Module under various test conditions.

During these test missions, the Crew Module will be carried to an altitude of 10 – 17 km and separated from the vehicle.

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A series of 10 parachutes will be deployed to reduce the velocity of the Crew Module before splashdown in the sea.

The solid stage of SOLVE is derived from the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) Strap-on Motor with few modifications to meet the Gaganyaan test requirements including development of slow burn rate propellant and straight nozzle with secondary injection thrust vector control.

ISRO said that during the test motor performance parameters were as expected.

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“The development of the SOLVE vehicle provides flexibility in conducting Gaganyaan Test Missions simulating various conditions in the actual mission,” the space agency said.

Over the last few months ISRO has carried out key tests related to the Gaganyaan mission which include the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) and a behavioral study Mission MITRA (Mapping of Interoperable Traits and Response Assessment) in Leh during which the four Indian astronauts selected for the mission along with scientists, engineers and medical teams were subjected to a weeklong behavioral study.

The first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan, was scheduled to be launched in the first quarter of 2026. However, it has been delayed.

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The Gaganyaan mission envisages demonstration of human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of three members to an orbit of 400 km for a three days mission and bringing them back safely to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.