ISRO's PSLV-C62 Mission Fails After Anomaly, Satellites Lost
PSLV-C62 mission fails due to anomaly in third stage; satellites lost.
Photo by SpaceX
Quick Revision
Mission: PSLV-C62
Satellite: EOS-N1
Launch date: January 13, 2026
Anomaly: Third stage
Key Dates
Key Numbers
Visual Insights
PSLV Mission Failures: A Timeline
Timeline of significant PSLV missions, highlighting successes and failures, leading up to the PSLV-C62 failure in January 2026.
The PSLV has been a reliable workhorse for ISRO, but recent failures raise concerns about quality control and system redundancy.
- 1993PSLV-D1: First PSLV launch - Failure
- 1994PSLV-D2: First successful PSLV launch
- 2008PSLV-C11: Chandrayaan-1 mission
- 2013PSLV-C25: Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan)
- 2017PSLV-C37: Launches 104 satellites in a single mission (world record at the time)
- 2019PSLV-C45: EMISAT mission
- 2022PSLV-C56: EOS-06 and other satellites launched successfully
- 2023PSLV-C54/EOS-06 Mission: Successfully placed EOS-06 and 8 other satellites into orbit.
- 2025PSLV-C61: Mission failure due to fourth stage anomaly.
- 2026PSLV-C62: Mission failure due to third stage anomaly, EOS-N1 and 15 co-passenger satellites lost.
Exam Angles
GS Paper III: Science and Technology - Space
Link to India's space program, launch vehicle technology, and international collaborations
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical, and factual
View Detailed Summary
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.
Background
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.
Latest 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 Questions (MCQs)
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?
- A.1 and 3 only
- B.3 only
- C.1, 2 and 3
- D.2 and 3 only
Show Answer
Answer: B
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.
2. In the context of ISRO's launch vehicle program, what is the primary difference between PSLV and GSLV?
- A.PSLV is designed for launching heavier satellites than GSLV.
- B.GSLV is capable of launching satellites into geostationary orbit, while PSLV is primarily for polar orbits.
- C.PSLV uses cryogenic engine technology, while GSLV uses solid propellant stages.
- D.GSLV is a single-use launch vehicle, while PSLV is reusable.
Show Answer
Answer: B
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).
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the EOS (Earth Observation Satellite) series of ISRO?
- A.EOS satellites are used for monitoring natural disasters and weather patterns.
- B.EOS satellites provide high-resolution images for urban planning and infrastructure development.
- C.The EOS series includes satellites with both optical and microwave remote sensing capabilities.
- D.EOS satellites are exclusively launched using GSLV launch vehicles.
Show Answer
Answer: D
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.