ISRO's PSLV-C62 Mission Faces Anomaly: What Went Wrong?
Summary
On January 12, 2026, ISRO's PSLV-C62 mission, carrying the EOS-N1 satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites, encountered an anomaly during the third stage (PS3), leading to a deviation in the flight path. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan reported increased "disturbance in the vehicle roll rates." Thailand’s GISTDA indicated a malfunction caused attitude-control abnormality, preventing satellite deployment. The rocket and satellites were expected to burn up over the southern Indian Ocean. This incident resembles the PSLV-C61 mission failure on May 18, 2025, which also suffered anomalies on PS3. A Failure Analysis Committee (FAC) was formed after the PSLV-C61 failure, but its report remains unreleased. The PSLV-C62 mission carried payloads from Thailand, the U.K., Nepal, France, Spain, Brazil, and Indian enterprises. The primary payload was EOS-N1, a surveillance satellite from the Defence Research and Development Organisation. The KID payload transmitted "off-nominal" data. GISTDA insured its THEOS-2A satellite, but Indian private sector payloads were reportedly uninsured.
Full Analysis
On January 12, 2026, ISRO's PSLV-C62 mission, carrying the EOS-N1 satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites, encountered an anomaly during the third stage (PS3), leading to a deviation in the flight path. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan reported increased "disturbance in the vehicle roll rates." Thailand’s GISTDA indicated a malfunction caused attitude-control abnormality, preventing satellite deployment. The rocket and satellites were expected to burn up over the southern Indian Ocean. This incident resembles the PSLV-C61 mission failure on May 18, 2025, which also suffered anomalies on PS3. A Failure Analysis Committee (FAC) was formed after the PSLV-C61 failure, but its report remains unreleased. The PSLV-C62 mission carried payloads from Thailand, the U.K., Nepal, France, Spain, Brazil, and Indian enterprises. The primary payload was EOS-N1, a surveillance satellite from the Defence Research and Development Organisation. The KID payload transmitted "off-nominal" data. GISTDA insured its THEOS-2A satellite, but Indian private sector payloads were reportedly uninsured.
Background Context
The PSLV's journey began in the early 1990s as India sought to achieve self-reliance in launching its own satellites, particularly for remote sensing and communication. Prior to the PSLV, India relied on foreign launch vehicles or its own less powerful Satellite Launch Vehicle (SLV) and Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV). The PSLV was designed to be a versatile and reliable launch vehicle capable of placing satellites into various orbits, including polar and geostationary transfer orbits. Its development was a significant step towards establishing India as a major player in the global space market. The first successful launch of the PSLV took place in 1994, marking a turning point in India's space program. Over the years, the PSLV has undergone several upgrades and improvements, enhancing its payload capacity and reliability.
Current Developments
In recent years, ISRO has been focusing on developing the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to cater to the growing demand for launching smaller satellites, particularly from private players. The SSLV aims to provide a cost-effective and flexible launch solution for payloads up to 500 kg. ISRO is also working on advanced technologies such as reusable launch vehicles and electric propulsion systems to further reduce launch costs and improve mission capabilities. The increasing participation of private companies in the space sector, both in India and globally, is driving innovation and competition in the launch services market. The Indian Space Policy 2023 aims to promote private sector involvement in all aspects of space activities, including satellite manufacturing, launch services, and space-based applications.
Key Facts
- PSLV-C62 launch date: January 12, 2026
- Anomaly occurred during: PS3 stage
- Primary payload: EOS-N1 surveillance satellite
- PSLV-C61 failure: May 18, 2025
- FAC report for PSLV-C61: Not publicly released
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV):
1. It is capable of placing satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).
2. It was India's first operational launch vehicle.
3. It uses only solid propellant stages.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect because while PSLV can reach GTO, it's primarily designed for polar and LEO. Statement 3 is incorrect as PSLV uses a combination of solid and liquid propellant stages. Statement 2 is correct as PSLV was the first operational launch vehicle.
Question 2
With reference to the recent PSLV-C62 mission failure, consider the following statements:
1. The primary payload, EOS-N1, was a surveillance satellite developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
2. The mission carried payloads from Thailand, the U.K., and Nepal, but not from any European countries.
3. The anomaly occurred during the second stage (PS2) of the launch vehicle.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is incorrect as the mission carried payloads from France and Spain. Statement 3 is incorrect as the anomaly occurred during the third stage (PS3).
Question 3
Assertion (A): Failure Analysis Committees (FACs) are crucial for identifying the root causes of launch vehicle failures.
Reason (R): The reports of FACs are always made public to ensure transparency and accountability.
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: Assertion A is true as FACs are indeed crucial for identifying causes of failures. Reason R is false because FAC reports are often not made public due to strategic and proprietary concerns.
Mains Practice Questions
Question 1
Analyze the significance of Failure Analysis Committees (FACs) in the context of ISRO's space missions. What measures can be taken to enhance the transparency and accountability of these committees without compromising strategic interests?
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2018 2018
With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements:
1. PSLV launches the satellites useful for Earth Resources monitoring whereas GSLV is designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 3 only
Explanation: Statement 1 is correct. PSLV is primarily used for Earth observation satellites, while GSLV is designed for heavier communication satellites. Statement 2 is incorrect. PSLV launches satellites into various orbits, not necessarily geostationary orbits. Geostationary satellites appear fixed. Statement 3 is incorrect. GSLV Mk III has two solid rocket boosters, a liquid core stage, and a cryogenic upper stage.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2024 2024
Discuss the reasons for the failure of the PSLV-C62 mission. What are the implications of such failures on India's space program and its international collaborations?
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2024 2024
During which stage of the PSLV-C62 mission did the anomaly occur?
- (a) First Stage (PS1)
- (b) Second Stage (PS2)
- (c) Third Stage (PS3)
- (d) Fourth Stage (PS4)
Explanation: The anomaly occurred during the third stage (PS3) of the PSLV-C62 mission.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2024 2024
Which organization's surveillance satellite, EOS-N1, was the primary payload of the PSLV-C62 mission?
- (a) ISRO
- (b) DRDO
- (c) NASA
- (d) ESA
Explanation: The primary payload, EOS-N1, was a surveillance satellite from the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2024 2024
What was the reported issue during the PSLV-C62 mission that led to its failure?
- (a) Fuel Leakage
- (b) Engine Failure in PS2
- (c) Increased Disturbance in Vehicle Roll Rates
- (d) Communication Breakdown
Explanation: ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan reported increased disturbance in the vehicle roll rates during the PSLV-C62 mission, leading to its failure.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2024 2024
Which of the following countries was NOT among those whose satellites were carried as co-passenger payloads on the PSLV-C62 mission?
- (a) Thailand
- (b) Nepal
- (c) Spain
- (d) Canada
Explanation: The PSLV-C62 mission carried payloads from Thailand, the U.K., Nepal, France, Spain, and Brazil. Canada was not among them.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2024 2024
The PSLV-C62 mission failure is most directly attributed to:
- (a) A software glitch in the guidance system
- (b) A problem with the cryogenic engine
- (c) An anomaly in the first stage boosters
- (d) Increased disturbance in vehicle roll rates during the third stage
Explanation: The PSLV-C62 mission failure was attributed to increased disturbance in vehicle roll rates during the third stage (PS3).
PYQ 8 - CDS 2024 2024
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the EOS-N1 satellite?
1. It is a communication satellite.
2. It is a surveillance satellite developed by DRDO.
3. It was successfully deployed despite the PSLV-C62 mission failure.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 2 and 3 only
Explanation: EOS-N1 is a surveillance satellite developed by DRDO. It was not successfully deployed due to the mission failure.