The Russian military transport aircraft Il-76 became a key participant in the tests of the parachute system of the Gaganyaan spacecraft - India's first manned space project. An capsule simulator was dropped from its board, checking the operation of parachutes in conditions of partial failure.
The tests were conducted under the leadership of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). From a height corresponding to the real descent, the Il-76 of the Indian Air Force dropped a capsule model weighing 6.5 tons.
The scenario turned out to be as tough as possible - one of the three main parachutes did not open, which simulated an abnormal situation upon returning to Earth.
Now India is close to manned flights - the mission with the crew is scheduled for March 2027. Before that, ISRO will conduct three unmanned launches with an astronaut robot. The success of the program will make India the fourth country in the world capable of independently launching people into space.
Earlierwww1.ru reported that the toilet of a strategic bomber was shown in the photo for the first time.