New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation has completed the first ground test of the solid motor for its Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments, known as SOLVE. This new platform supports parachute testing for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. The static firing took place on July 3 at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. ISRO reported that the motor met all planned performance targets. SOLVE will carry out integrated parachute trials to validate the Gaganyaan crew module’s deceleration system. In these flights the module reaches altitudes between 10 and 17 kilometres before separation, after which ten parachutes deploy to ensure a safe sea landing. The solid stage is adapted from a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle strap-on motor, featuring a slower-burning propellant, a straight nozzle and a secondary injection thrust vector control system. ISRO stated that SOLVE will allow more flexible testing of conditions expected during the crewed mission. Gaganyaan aims to demonstrate India’s ability to launch astronauts into low-Earth orbit and return them safely. The agency plans three uncrewed missions before the first crewed flight.
