ISRO’s SOLVE Ground Test Marks Major Step for Gaganyaan Mission
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully conducted the first ground test of the Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments (SOLVE) solid motor on July 3 at the Static Test Facility, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
SOLVE is a solid motor-based test platform designed to support Gaganyaan test missions, particularly for validating the parachute-based deceleration system of the Crew Module. During these test missions, the Crew Module will be carried to an altitude of 10 to 17 kilometres and then separated. A series of 10 parachutes will deploy to slow its descent before splashdown in the sea.
The solid stage of SOLVE is derived from the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) strap-on motor, with modifications to meet Gaganyaan requirements, including a slow burn-rate propellant and a straight nozzle with secondary injection thrust vector control. ISRO stated that the motor performance parameters during the test matched expectations.
ISRO noted that the SOLVE vehicle provides flexibility in simulating various conditions for Gaganyaan test missions. Over recent months, the space agency has conducted other key tests, including the second Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-02) and a behavioural study named Mission MITRA in Leh, where four Indian astronauts, along with scientists and medical teams, underwent a weeklong assessment.
The first uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan was originally scheduled for early 2026 but has faced delays. The Gaganyaan programme aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of three to a 400-kilometre orbit for a three-day mission, returning them safely to Indian sea waters.
