In a significant move towards the government's "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, India's first manned space mission, Gaganyaan, will utilise specially designed "Made-in-India" drogue parachutes for astronauts' safe return to Earth. These drogue parachutes are known for reducing speed and stabilising fast-moving objects during descent.
It's fascinating as India prepares for its maiden manned space exploration with the Gaganyaan mission! So, it's important that we know how these drogue parachutes function. Let's delve into the technical aspects in an accessible manner.
Drogue parachutes are small, specialised parachutes deployed during high-speed descents to stabilize and slow down the object they are attached to. Unlike main parachutes, which are designed to support the full weight of the payload and ensure a safe landing, drogue parachutes serve to prepare for the deployment of the main parachutes. Their primary function is to reduce the object's speed to a manageable level and maintain stability, preventing uncontrolled spinning or tumbling.
Imagine trying to slow down a speeding car on a highway. Simply hitting the brakes might cause skidding or loss of control. Similarly, when a spacecraft re-enters the Earth's atmosphere or a high-speed vehicle needs to decelerate, a sudden deployment of the main parachute could lead to catastrophic failure. Drogue parachutes act as an intermediate step, easing the transition.
When deployed, drogue parachutes create drag, which is the resistance force acting opposite to the object's motion. This drag force slows the object down. To understand this better, picture holding a large umbrella open while running against the wind. The umbrella catches the wind, creating resistance and slowing you down. Drogue parachutes work on the same principle but on a much larger and more complex scale.
Beyond speed reduction, drogue parachutes provide stability by preventing rapid spinning or tumbling. This is crucial during the re-entry phase of space missions. Imagine a spinning top; as it slows down, it wobbles and eventually topples over. In a similar fashion, a descending spacecraft can experience uncontrolled spins due to aerodynamic forces. The drag created by the drogue parachute helps counteract these forces, ensuring a stable descent.
The deployment of drogue parachutes is a carefully timed process. In the case of the Gaganyaan mission, sensors and onboard computers will determine the optimal moment to deploy the drogue parachutes based on altitude, speed, and other environmental factors. The parachutes are packed in canisters and are ejected when needed. Upon deployment, they rapidly inflate, creating the necessary drag.
Drogue parachutes are not limited to space missions. They are widely used in aviation, particularly for decelerating fighter jets and other high-speed aircraft during landings. Additionally, they are employed in automotive testing, where high-performance vehicles need controlled deceleration.
