India Advances Manned Flight, Announces First TV-D1 High-Altitude Escape Test on October 21

On October 17, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) officially announced that the first high-altitude escape test (TV-D1) will be conducted at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) between 7-9 AM on October 21, 2023. The aim is to verify the escape procedures of manned flight missions.

According to previously released information by ISRO, the dimensions and weight of the TV-D1 command module are entirely based on the actual manned design, and it is equipped with all systems and equipment related to escape and landing, including three parachute packs.

With the same dimensions and weight as the actual crew cabin, and loaded with all systems and equipment related to escape and landing (as seen in Figure 4, the three parachute packs used).

The command module will be launched on a GSLV L40 rocket at a height of 11 kilometers above sea level. The mission objective of the high-altitude escape test is to fly the command module for 15-16 kilometers. This mission will check the separation situation with the rocket, and whether its trajectory maintains a safe distance and the parachutes deploy.

If India successfully completes this TV-D1 test, it will become the fourth country to master this technology, following Russia, the United States, and China.