Context: Gaganyaan SOLVE test
ISRO successfully tested SOLVE, a dedicated test platform developed to validate the crew module’s parachute recovery system for the Gaganyaan mission.
Gaganyaan Mission
Gaganyaan is India’s first indigenous human spaceflight mission.
Launch Vehicle
- LVM3
Mission Objective
To send Indian astronauts to Low Earth Orbit at around 400 km for about 3 days and ensure safe sea splashdown.
Broader Objective
To develop indigenous human spaceflight capability and critical crew-safety technologies.
SOLVE
Full Form
- Sub-Orbital Launch Vehicle for Experiments
What Is SOLVE?
SOLVE is a sub-orbital solid-motor test vehicle derived from the PSLV strap-on motor.
Purpose
It is used to test the crew module’s parachute recovery system.
How It Works
- Carries the crew module to 10–17 km altitude.
- Releases the crew module.
- Tests the 10-parachute recovery sequence.
- Validates safe landing and splashdown systems.
Why Is SOLVE Important?
SOLVE allows repeated testing of the landing system without launching the full Gaganyaan mission.
This improves:
- Crew safety
- Mission reliability
- Parachute validation
- Recovery system performance
- Human spaceflight readiness
Significance
- Strengthens India’s human spaceflight capability.
- Builds confidence in crew safety systems.
- Supports indigenous space technology.
- Reduces mission risk.
- Helps validate critical systems before human flight.
