Summary
ISRO's PSLV-C62 mission, carrying the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites, failed to reach its intended trajectory on Monday, 13 January 2026. An anomaly was detected during the end of the third stage of the launch vehicle, resulting in the loss of the satellites. The launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota proceeded as expected until the third stage, when a "disturbance in the vehicle roll rates" was observed. This is a setback for ISRO, as the PSLV has now suffered back-to-back failures.
Full Analysis
ISRO's PSLV-C62 mission, carrying the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites, failed to reach its intended trajectory on Monday, 13 January 2026. An anomaly was detected during the end of the third stage of the launch vehicle, resulting in the loss of the satellites. The launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota proceeded as expected until the third stage, when a "disturbance in the vehicle roll rates" was observed. This is a setback for ISRO, as the PSLV has now suffered back-to-back failures.
Background Context
The PSLV's journey began in the early 1990s, conceived as a versatile launch vehicle capable of placing satellites into various orbits, including polar and geostationary transfer orbits. Its development was driven by India's need for self-reliance in space access, particularly after facing technology denial regimes. The first successful launch occurred in 1994, marking a significant milestone in India's space program. Over the years, the PSLV has undergone several upgrades, enhancing its payload capacity and reliability. These upgrades include the use of more powerful solid rocket boosters and improved control systems. The PSLV's success has made it a workhorse for ISRO, launching both Indian and foreign satellites, and contributing significantly to India's space economy.
Current Developments
In recent years, ISRO has focused on enhancing the PSLV's capabilities and exploring reusable launch vehicle technologies. The development of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is also aimed at catering to the growing demand for launching smaller satellites. ISRO is also actively pursuing international collaborations to expand its launch services and market share. The increasing number of private players in the space sector, both globally and in India, is creating new opportunities and challenges for ISRO. The focus is shifting towards more cost-effective and efficient launch solutions. Future missions include advanced earth observation satellites, interplanetary probes, and further development of reusable launch technologies.
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV):
1. PSLV is capable of launching satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).
2. PSLV uses only solid propellant rocket stages.
3. PSLV has been used for launching Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 3 only
- 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
- 2 and 3 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because PSLV is primarily used for launching satellites into polar orbits and Low Earth Orbits (LEO), not GTO. Statement 2 is incorrect because PSLV uses a combination of solid and liquid propellant stages. Statement 3 is correct as PSLV was used for both Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions.
Question 2
In the context of ISRO's launch vehicle program, what is the primary difference between PSLV and GSLV?
- PSLV is designed for launching heavier satellites than GSLV.
- GSLV is capable of launching satellites into geostationary orbit, while PSLV is primarily for polar orbits.
- PSLV uses cryogenic engine technology, while GSLV uses solid propellant stages.
- GSLV is a single-use launch vehicle, while PSLV is reusable.
Explanation: GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) is designed to launch satellites into geostationary orbit, while PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is primarily used for launching satellites into polar orbits and Low Earth Orbits (LEO).
Question 3
Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the EOS (Earth Observation Satellite) series of ISRO?
- EOS satellites are used for monitoring natural disasters and weather patterns.
- EOS satellites provide high-resolution images for urban planning and infrastructure development.
- The EOS series includes satellites with both optical and microwave remote sensing capabilities.
- EOS satellites are exclusively launched using GSLV launch vehicles.
Explanation: EOS satellites are not exclusively launched using GSLV launch vehicles. PSLV is also used for launching EOS satellites depending on the orbit and payload requirements.
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2026 2026
Consider the following statements regarding Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV):
1. PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages.
2. PSLV-C62 carried the EOS-N1 satellite, which is primarily designed for agricultural monitoring.
3. The failure of PSLV-C62 was attributed to an anomaly in the second stage.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 1 and 2 only
- (c) 2 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct as PSLV uses alternating solid and liquid stages. Statement 2 is correct as EOS-N1 is an earth observation satellite. Statement 3 is incorrect as the anomaly occurred in the third stage.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2026 2026
The recent failure of the PSLV-C62 mission marks a significant setback for ISRO. Analyze the potential implications of such failures on India's space program, considering both technological and economic aspects. What measures can ISRO take to mitigate the risks associated with future missions?
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2026 2026
Which organization was responsible for the PSLV-C62 mission?
- (a) NASA
- (b) ESA
- (c) ISRO
- (d) SpaceX
Explanation: ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) was responsible for the PSLV-C62 mission.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2026 2026
The PSLV-C62 mission failed during which stage of the launch?
- (a) First stage
- (b) Second stage
- (c) Third stage
- (d) Fourth stage
Explanation: The PSLV-C62 mission failed during the third stage of the launch.
PYQ 5 - SSC CGL 2026 2026
What type of satellite was EOS-N1, which was lost in the PSLV-C62 mission?
- (a) Communication satellite
- (b) Navigation satellite
- (c) Earth observation satellite
- (d) Weather satellite
Explanation: EOS-N1 was an Earth observation satellite.
PYQ 6 - IBPS PO 2026 2026
The PSLV-C62 mission was launched from which space center?
- (a) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
- (b) Satish Dhawan Space Centre
- (c) Space Applications Centre
- (d) National Remote Sensing Centre
Explanation: The PSLV-C62 mission was launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
PYQ 7 - SBI PO 2026 2026
What was the primary payload of the PSLV-C62 mission?
- (a) INSAT-4CR
- (b) GSAT-12
- (c) EOS-N1
- (d) Cartosat-2E
Explanation: The primary payload of the PSLV-C62 mission was EOS-N1.
PYQ 8 - IBPS PO 2026 2026
The PSLV-C62 mission experienced a 'disturbance in vehicle roll rates' during which stage? This led to the mission's failure. What does this indicate about the mission?
- (a) Indicates a successful mission
- (b) Indicates a minor setback with no impact
- (c) Indicates a critical failure in the control system
- (d) Indicates a planned maneuver
Explanation: A disturbance in vehicle roll rates indicates a critical failure in the control system, leading to the mission's failure.
PYQ 9 - CDS 2026 2026
What is the full form of PSLV?
- (a) Polar Space Launch Vehicle
- (b) Permanent Satellite Launch Vehicle
- (c) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle
- (d) Precision Space Launch Vehicle
Explanation: The full form of PSLV is Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle.
PYQ 10 - CDS 2026 2026
Which of the following statements is correct regarding the PSLV-C62 mission failure?
(a) The mission was successful in placing all satellites in their intended orbits.
(b) The mission failed due to a software glitch in the fourth stage.
(c) The mission failed due to an anomaly in the third stage.
(d) The mission was aborted before launch due to weather conditions.
Explanation: The PSLV-C62 mission failed due to an anomaly in the third stage.
PYQ 11 - CDS 2026 2026
Besides EOS-N1, how many co-passenger satellites were lost in the PSLV-C62 mission failure?
Explanation: 15 co-passenger satellites were lost in the PSLV-C62 mission failure, along with EOS-N1.