ISRO Faces Third-Stage Issue Again: Implications for PSLV Reliability
ISRO encounters third-stage issue for second time, raising PSLV reliability concerns.
Photo by SpaceX
Quick Revision
Issue: Third stage malfunction in PSLV
Previous issue: PSLV launch in 2025
PSLV: Workhorse launch vehicle for ISRO
Key Dates
Visual Insights
PSLV Mission Timeline and Recent Setbacks
Timeline of key PSLV missions, highlighting successes and recent third-stage issues.
PSLV has been a reliable launch vehicle for ISRO, but recent failures raise concerns about its reliability.
- 1993First PSLV launch (failure)
- 2008Chandrayaan-1 launched by PSLV-C11
- 2013Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) launched by PSLV-C25
- 2017PSLV-C37 launches a record 104 satellites in a single mission
- 2025PSLV launch faces third-stage issue
- 2026Second consecutive PSLV launch faces third-stage issue
Background Context
Why It Matters Now
Key Takeaways
- •ISRO faced third-stage issue in PSLV launch.
- •Similar issue occurred in 2025 PSLV launch.
- •Raises questions about PSLV reliability.
- •PSLV is crucial for satellite launches.
- •Investigation needed to determine root cause.
Exam Angles
GS Paper III: Science and Technology - Space
Connects to India's space program, launch vehicle technology, and international collaborations
Potential for questions on PSLV's evolution, comparison with other launch vehicles, and implications of failures
View Detailed Summary
Summary
For the second consecutive time, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has encountered an issue with the third stage of its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The previous PSLV launch in 2025 also faced a similar problem in the third stage. This recurring problem raises questions about the reliability of the PSLV, a workhorse launch vehicle for ISRO.
Further investigation is needed to determine the root cause of the issue and implement corrective measures to ensure the continued success of future PSLV missions. The PSLV is crucial for launching various satellites, including earth observation and communication satellites, and its reliability is vital for India's space program.
Background
The PSLV's development began in the late 1980s, driven by the need for India to achieve self-reliance in launching its own satellites, particularly for remote sensing. Prior to the PSLV, India relied on foreign launch services, which were both expensive and strategically limiting. The initial design aimed for a versatile vehicle capable of placing satellites into various orbits, including polar and geostationary transfer orbits.
The first PSLV launch occurred in 1993, which was unsuccessful. However, subsequent launches proved the vehicle's capabilities, establishing it as a reliable and cost-effective option for both domestic and international customers. Over the years, the PSLV has undergone several upgrades, including increased payload capacity and improved accuracy, leading to different variants like the PSLV-C and PSLV-XL.
Latest Developments
In recent years, ISRO has been focusing on developing newer launch vehicles like the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to cater to the growing market for small satellite launches. The SSLV aims to provide a more cost-effective and flexible launch option compared to the PSLV. Simultaneously, ISRO is also working on the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), which is envisioned as a reusable launch vehicle to further reduce launch costs and increase payload capacity.
The NGLV is expected to replace the PSLV in the long term. The focus on these new vehicles reflects ISRO's ambition to maintain its competitiveness in the global space launch market and to meet the evolving needs of its customers. The recent issues with the PSLV's third stage highlight the importance of rigorous testing and quality control in the development and operation of space launch vehicles.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV): 1. It is a four-stage launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid propellant stages. 2. It can launch satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO). 3. It was entirely developed indigenously without any foreign assistance. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is correct as PSLV has four stages with alternating solid and liquid propellants. Statement 2 is incorrect as PSLV is primarily used for launching satellites into polar orbits and Low Earth Orbits (LEO), not GTO. Statement 3 is incorrect as while largely indigenous, initial development involved some foreign technology transfer.
2. In the context of ISRO's launch vehicle program, what is the primary objective of developing the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)?
- A.To launch heavier satellites into Geostationary Orbit (GEO).
- B.To provide a more cost-effective and reusable launch platform.
- C.To exclusively serve military satellite launch requirements.
- D.To replace the GSLV series of launch vehicles immediately.
Show Answer
Answer: B
The primary objective of the NGLV is to develop a reusable launch vehicle that reduces launch costs and increases payload capacity, making space access more affordable and sustainable.
3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the historical development of India's space program?
- A.The Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) was established in 1962.
- B.Aryabhata, India's first satellite, was launched indigenously using a PSLV.
- C.Vikram Sarabhai is considered the father of the Indian space program.
- D.The Space Commission and the Department of Space were established in 1972.
Show Answer
Answer: B
Aryabhata was launched using a Soviet rocket, not the PSLV. The PSLV was developed much later. All other statements are correct.
4. Assertion (A): Recurring issues with the third stage of the PSLV can significantly impact India's earth observation capabilities. Reason (R): Many of India's crucial earth observation satellites rely on the PSLV for their launch.
- A.Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
- B.Both A and R are true, but R is NOT the correct explanation of A.
- C.A is true, but R is false.
- D.A is false, but R is true.
Show Answer
Answer: A
The assertion and reason are both true, and the reason correctly explains why the recurring issues with the PSLV's third stage are a concern for India's earth observation capabilities.