On 3 July 2026, the ISRO successfully carried out the first ground test of the SOLVE solid motor at the Static Test Facility, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The test is a critical step for the Gaganyaan human‑spaceflight programme, as the motor will be used to validate the parachute‑based deceleration system of the crew module under simulated flight conditions.
Key Developments
- The SOLVE solid motor was fired to mimic the ascent phase of a sub‑orbital flight, reaching an altitude of 10‑17 km before the crew module separates.
- A series of 10 parachutes will be deployed after separation to slow the module for a safe splash‑down in the sea.
- The solid stage is derived from the PSLV strap‑on motor, modified with a slow‑burn propellant and a straight nozzle equipped with secondary‑injection thrust vector control.
- Motor performance parameters matched design expectations, confirming readiness for upcoming test missions.
- Recent complementary tests include IADT‑02 and Mission MITRA, which examined astronaut and crew health under extreme conditions.
Important Facts
The SOLVE vehicle provides a flexible platform to simulate various flight scenarios, allowing engineers to fine‑tune the deceleration system before the actual crewed launch. The first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission, originally slated for the fir