ISRO's PSLV-C62 Mission Faces Anomaly: What Went Wrong?
ISRO's PSLV-C62 mission faced anomaly, raising concerns about reliability and future missions.
Photo by Claudio Schwarz
Quick Revision
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
Key Dates
Visual Insights
PSLV-C62 Mission: Satellite Payload Origins & Expected Impact Zone
This map illustrates the countries of origin for the co-passenger satellites launched on the PSLV-C62 mission and the approximate location of the expected impact zone in the southern Indian Ocean.
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Exam Angles
GS Paper III: Science and Technology - Space
Connects to India's space program, launch vehicle technology, international collaborations in space
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical questions on the impact of mission failures
View Detailed Summary
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.
Background
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.
Latest 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.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
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?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 2
- D.None
Show Answer
Answer: B
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.
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?
- A.1 only
- B.2 only
- C.1 and 3
- D.None
Show Answer
Answer: A
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).
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?
- 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: C
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.
Source Articles
What happened to ISRO’s PSLV-C62 mission? | Explained - The Hindu
Troubling repeat: On ISRO’s failed PSLV-C62 mission - The Hindu
PSLV-C62 strays from flight path, fails to launch satellite - The Hindu
Watch: ISRO’s PSLV-C62 mission fails after anomaly during third stage of flight - The Hindu
What do two PSLV mission failures in a row mean for ISRO? | Analysis - The Hindu