ISRO Faces Setbacks: Analyzing PSLV Mission Failures and Implications
Summary
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has faced two consecutive failures with its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) missions. On May 18, 2025, the PSLV-C61 mission failed, and on January 12, 2026, the PSLV-C62 mission also experienced a third-stage anomaly. The PSLV-C61 failure, involving the EOS-09 satellite, showed a sudden pressure drop in the third stage motor @@203 seconds@@ into the flight, potentially indicating a structural failure. The Failure Analysis Committee (FAC) report on the C61 incident has not been released, raising questions about transparency. The PSLV-C62 mission failed due to a "roll rate disturbance," where the rocket began spinning uncontrollably. The repeated third-stage issues suggest a potential link between the failures. The lack of transparency and external scrutiny may have contributed to the second failure. These failures could damage the PSLV's reputation and increase launch insurance costs.
Full Analysis
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has faced two consecutive failures with its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) missions. On May 18, 2025, the PSLV-C61 mission failed, and on January 12, 2026, the PSLV-C62 mission also experienced a third-stage anomaly. The PSLV-C61 failure, involving the EOS-09 satellite, showed a sudden pressure drop in the third stage motor @@203 seconds@@ into the flight, potentially indicating a structural failure. The Failure Analysis Committee (FAC) report on the C61 incident has not been released, raising questions about transparency. The PSLV-C62 mission failed due to a "roll rate disturbance," where the rocket began spinning uncontrollably. The repeated third-stage issues suggest a potential link between the failures. The lack of transparency and external scrutiny may have contributed to the second failure. These failures could damage the PSLV's reputation and increase launch insurance costs.
Background Context
The genesis of ISRO and the Indian space program can be traced back to 1962 with the establishment of the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) by Jawaharlal Nehru. This was driven by the vision of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, considered the father of the Indian space program. Early efforts focused on sounding rockets launched from Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) in 1963. ISRO was formally established in 1969, consolidating space activities under a single entity. The initial focus was on developing satellite communication and remote sensing capabilities, crucial for a developing nation. The PSLV, conceived in the 1980s, was designed to launch Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites into sun-synchronous orbits, marking a significant step towards self-reliance in space launch capabilities. Its first successful launch was in 1994.
Current Developments
In recent years, ISRO has been focusing on advanced technologies like reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) and electric propulsion systems to reduce launch costs and increase payload capacity. The Gaganyaan mission, India's first human spaceflight program, is a major focus, with unmanned missions planned before sending astronauts into orbit. There's also increased emphasis on commercial launches through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm, to tap into the growing global space market. The Space Activities Bill, once enacted, will provide a regulatory framework for private sector participation in space activities. Furthermore, ISRO is actively involved in international collaborations for space exploration and research, including missions to the Moon and Mars. The recent failures could lead to a renewed focus on quality control and independent audits of critical systems.
Key Facts
- PSLV-C61 failure: May 18, 2025
- PSLV-C62 failure: January 12, 2026
- PS3 anomaly: Pressure drop after @@203 seconds@@
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV):
1. PSLV is primarily designed to launch satellites into geostationary transfer orbit (GTO).
2. PSLV uses a combination of solid and liquid propulsion stages.
3. PSLV was first successfully launched in 1994.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because PSLV is primarily designed for launching satellites into sun-synchronous orbits (SSO). Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
Question 2
Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the role of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)?
- It is the commercial arm of ISRO.
- It is responsible for manufacturing and production of launch vehicles and satellites.
- It solely focuses on launching foreign satellites.
- It aims to promote private sector participation in space activities.
Explanation: NSIL does not solely focus on launching foreign satellites. It also promotes Indian space capabilities and launches Indian satellites commercially.
Question 3
Assertion (A): Repeated failures in the third stage of PSLV missions raise concerns about quality control.
Reason (R): The Failure Analysis Committee (FAC) reports are not always made public, hindering external scrutiny.
In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?
- Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- A is true but R is false
- A is false but R is true
Explanation: Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why repeated failures raise concerns about quality control, as lack of transparency hinders external scrutiny.
Question 4
Consider the following statements regarding the evolution of the Indian Space Program:
1. INCOSPAR was established in 1962 under the leadership of Dr. C.V. Raman.
2. The Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) was used for initial sounding rocket experiments.
3. The primary focus of ISRO in its early years was on developing nuclear weapons technology.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect as INCOSPAR was established under the leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. Statement 3 is incorrect as ISRO's early focus was on satellite communication and remote sensing. Statement 2 is correct.
Mains Practice Questions
Question 1
Analyze the potential impact of recent PSLV mission failures on India's space program, considering both technological and economic implications. What measures can ISRO take to mitigate these risks and maintain its reliability in the global space launch market?
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2024 2024
Consider the following statements regarding the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV):
1. It is a four-stage launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages.
2. It is primarily used for launching satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO).
3. The recent PSLV-C61 and PSLV-C62 missions faced third-stage anomalies.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: All three statements are correct. PSLV is a four-stage vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages. It is used for LEO launches. Recent PSLV-C61 and C-62 missions did face third-stage issues.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2024 2024
The recent failures of PSLV-C61 and PSLV-C62 missions raise concerns about the reliability of India's space program. Analyze the potential causes of these failures, their impact on ISRO's reputation, and suggest measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2024 2024
In which stage did the anomaly occur in the recent PSLV-C62 mission?
- (a) First Stage
- (b) Second Stage
- (c) Third Stage
- (d) Fourth Stage
Explanation: The anomaly in the PSLV-C62 mission occurred in the third stage.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2024 2024
What was the primary reason cited for the failure of PSLV-C62 mission?
- (a) Engine Failure
- (b) Roll Rate Disturbance
- (c) Fuel Leakage
- (d) Communication Breakdown
Explanation: The primary reason cited for the failure of the PSLV-C62 mission was a 'roll rate disturbance'.
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2024 2024
Which organization is responsible for the PSLV missions?
- (a) DRDO
- (b) ISRO
- (c) HAL
- (d) BARC
Explanation: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is responsible for the PSLV missions.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2024 2024
The recent PSLV failures could lead to which of the following financial implications for ISRO?
- (a) Decreased revenue from satellite launches
- (b) Increased launch insurance costs
- (c) Reduced government funding
- (d) All of the above
Explanation: The PSLV failures could lead to decreased revenue, increased insurance costs, and potentially reduced government funding due to concerns about reliability.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2024 2024
What type of engine is used in the third stage of the PSLV?
- (a) Solid Rocket Motor
- (b) Liquid Propellant Engine
- (c) Cryogenic Engine
- (d) Ramjet Engine
Explanation: The third stage of the PSLV uses a solid rocket motor.
PYQ 8 - CDS 2024 2024
Which of the following could be a consequence of repeated launch failures for a space program?
- (a) Loss of international collaborations
- (b) Delay in scientific missions
- (c) Increased scrutiny and budget cuts
- (d) All of the above
Explanation: Repeated launch failures can lead to all the listed consequences: loss of collaborations, mission delays, and increased scrutiny leading to potential budget cuts.