ISRO Faces Two PSLV Failures in a Row, 16 Satellites Lost

India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) mission faced a technical problem during its launch, adding one more follow-up failure after two PSLVs.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) had confirmed noticing the deviation during the rocket’s third stage launch.

According to ISRO Chairman Dr V. Narayanan, with the help of data analysis and space agency details, the real reason behind the rocket anomaly during its launch will come out.

Till then, he has not declared the mission a failure or a success.

Launch of PSLV-C62 Carrying EOS-N1: What Went Wrong

PSLV-C62 of the 64th mission, carrying EOS-N1, launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 10:18 AM.

This key launch holds importance after the failure of the last PSLV in 2025.

According to ISRO, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, a four-stage rocket,

 went smoothly for the first few minutes in the first and second stages, as expected.

However, the problem began when it reached the third stage, and a deviation in its trajectory was noticed.

Dr Narayanan further stated that the mission failed to progress on the expected path but did not call it a complete failure nor a success.

When a problem occurs in the third stage of the PSLV, it is usually understood that the mission is on the verge of failure.

PSLV-C62: An Intended Comeback Mission After 2025 Failure

ISRO stated that SLV-C62 was expected to be a comeback mission for ISRO after the failure of its launch in 2025. But it faced the same problem in the third stage of the rocket.

According to standard procedure, ISRO has decided to have a failure analysis following last year's mission.

But since the committee's findings were not publicly revealed, no one could determine the exact cause of the failure.

Despite it, ISRO proceeded with PSLV-C62 for the 2026 launch. It carried 16 satellites, including EOS-N1 and a surveillance satellite named Anvesha.

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is behind in its development.

Mission Failure Would Be a Major Blow to ISRO and Startups

With the declaration of the mission as ‘failure’, it would be a setback for both ISRO and startups.

It will be regarded as a ‘fifth failure’ among 63 PSLV launches. Although the five shortcomings in 64 launches cannot be said to be a poor record, the negative outcome it received this time will still cause a setback beyond ISRO.

The satellites carried on board were from the distant nations, including the United Kingdom, Brazil, and Nepal.

One big reason why this failure will hurt Indian space startups is Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space, which launched seven satellites onboard PSLV-C62.

This makes it one of the key stakeholders in the space mission.

Even though for ISRO it is too early to declare the mission a success or a failure, Dr Narayan’s statement about its failure in reaching the expected path has raised questions about its objectives.

Now let’s wait for the outcome. If it is confirmed a failure, then it will surely be on a bad note for both India’s space agency and private startups, who are constantly relying on the PSLV for satellite launches.

FAQs

Q: From which place is PSLV-C62 carrying EOS-N1 launched?

A: PSLV-C62 of the 64th mission, carrying EOS-N1, launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 10:18 AM. 

Q: Is PSLV-C62 a failure?

A: As of now, it is too early to term it as a success or a failure. It all depends on the confirmed report on it.

Q: What was expected from the PSLV-C62 launch?

A: ISRO stated that SLV-C62 was expected to be a comeback mission for ISRO after the failure of its launch in 2025.

For more news, stay tuned to the Flypped side of News (English).