ISLAMABAD: The Indian Space Research Organisation faced a significantsetback on January 12 when its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle encountered acritical anomaly during the third stage, resulting in the loss of 16satellites including a key strategic earth observation payload. Themission, designated PSLV-C62, lifted off smoothly from the Satish DhawanSpace Centre in Sriharikota at 10:18 am local time, initially performing asexpected through the early phases. However, mission control detecteddisturbances in roll rates and a subsequent deviation from the plannedtrajectory near the end of the PS3 stage, preventing orbital insertion.ISRO Chairman V Narayanan confirmed the anomaly in a televised statement,noting that detailed data analysis had been initiated to determine the rootcause. This incident marks the second consecutive failure for the PSLV ineight months, raising questions about the reliability of its solid-fuelthird stage.
The PSLV, often hailed as ISRO’s most dependable launch vehicle, boasts animpressive historical record with over 90 per cent success acrossapproximately 60 missions prior to these recent setbacks. Developed overdecades, the four-stage rocket combines solid and liquid propulsion systemsto deliver payloads into sun-synchronous and other orbits efficiently. Ithas played a pivotal role in landmark achievements, including theChandrayaan-1 lunar mission, the Mars Orbiter Mission, and the Aditya-L1solar observatory. Beyond scientific endeavours, the PSLV underpins India’scommercial space efforts through NewSpace India Limited, facilitatingrideshare opportunities for domestic startups and international clients.The vehicle’s modular design allows flexibility in configurations such asthe DL variant used in this launch, featuring two strap-on boosters forlighter payloads.
The primary payload aboard PSLV-C62 was the EOS-N1, also referred to asAnvesha, an advanced hyperspectral earth observation satellite developed incollaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation.Designed for high-resolution imaging capable of detecting camouflagedmilitary assets from altitudes around 500 kilometres, Anvesha promisedenhanced strategic surveillance alongside civilian applications inagriculture, environmental monitoring, and urban planning. Accompanying itwere 15 co-passenger payloads from Indian startups, academic institutions,and foreign entities including those from Nepal, Spain, Brazil, and Europe.These included innovative experiments such as orbital refuellingdemonstrations and a re-entry capsule technology validator, underscoringthe mission’s role in fostering private sector participation in India’sburgeoning space economy.
Preliminary assessments point to a disturbance during the coasting phase orfinal burn of the third stage, a solid-propellant motor critical forproviding the necessary velocity to reach orbit. Similar issues plagued thepreceding PSLV-C61 mission in May 2025, which also failed due to anunexpected drop in chamber pressure, leading to loss of the EOS-09satellite. Despite extensive reviews following that incident, the FailureAnalysis Committee report was not made public, prompting concerns overtransparency in quality control processes. Experts suggest potential causescould include flex nozzle malfunctions, propellant inconsistencies, orstructural integrity problems in the third-stage casing, though conclusivefindings await comprehensive telemetry evaluation.
This double setback arrives at a challenging juncture for ISRO, which aimsto accelerate its launch cadence in 2026 with over 100 satellites planned,alongside expansions in the NavIC navigation system and preparations forthe Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme. The PSLV’s commercial viabilitythrough NSIL rideshares faces heightened scrutiny, as internationalcustomers may reconsider commitments amid reliability doubts. The failurealso impacts emerging private players reliant on affordable access tospace, potentially delaying innovations in satellite servicing andmanufacturing. Nevertheless, ISRO’s history of resilience, demonstratedthrough rapid recoveries in past anomalies, offers hope for swiftcorrective measures.
The broader implications extend to India’s strategic space posture and itsambition to compete globally. With the PSLV grounded pending fixes,upcoming missions including industry-built variants and uncrewed Gaganyaantests could face delays. The incident highlights the inherent risks inrocket science, where even minor deviations can prove catastrophic. Asanalysis continues, the space community awaits ISRO’s findings andcorrective roadmap to restore confidence in this foundational asset of thenation’s space programme.
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Source:https://www.indiatoday.in/science/story/pslv-c62-mission-launch-live-updates-isro-anvesha-satellite-drdo-eos-n1-nasa-space-2850356-2026-01-12
Tags: ISRO, PSLV-C62, EOS-N1, DRDO, Satish Dhawan Space Centre
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