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3 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu
4 min
Science & TechnologyNEWS

ISRO's PSLV Probe Involves External Team; Next Launch in June

ISRO investigates PSLV failures with external help; next launch targeted for June.

UPSC●SSC
ISRO's PSLV Probe Involves External Team; Next Launch in June

Photo by SpaceX

Quick Revision

1.

PSLV-C62 failure: January 12, 2026, third stage failure

2.

Next launch target: June 2026

3.

Scheduled launches: 18 this year, 6 private sector

4.

Foreign launches: Japan, US, France next year

Key Dates

January 12, 2026 - PSLV-C62 failureMay 18, 2025 - PSLV (C-61) failureJune 2026 - Next launch target

Key Numbers

18 - Scheduled launches this year6 - Private sector satellites this year

Visual Insights

PSLV Mission Timeline: Recent Failures and Future Plans

Timeline of recent PSLV missions, highlighting the failures and planned future launches.

PSLV has been a reliable workhorse for ISRO, but recent failures have raised concerns and prompted investigations.

  • 2017PSLV-C37 launches a record 104 satellites in a single mission.
  • 2025PSLV (C-61) mission failure on May 18 due to an unspecified issue.
  • 2026PSLV-C62 mission failure on January 12 due to the third stage failing to ignite.
  • 2026ISRO aims for a fresh PSLV launch in June after rectifying the problem.
  • 2027Three major foreign launches are planned with Japan, the United States, and France.

Exam Angles

1.

GS Paper III: Science and Technology - Developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

2.

Connects to India's space program, technological advancements, and international collaborations.

3.

Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical, and current affairs focused.

View Detailed Summary

Summary

The investigation into the consecutive failures of ISRO's PSLV is ongoing, with an external team involved. Despite the failures, companies with satellites onboard have not expressed reservations about PSLV's reliability. The ISRO is considering a fresh launch date in June. The PSLV-C62 mission failed on January 12 due to the third stage failing to ignite. This was similar to the PSLV (C-61) failure on May 18, 2025. The Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, stated that a third-party appraisal is being conducted to create confidence. ISRO aims for a launch in June after rectifying the problem. This year, 18 launches are scheduled, including six private sector satellites. Next year, three major foreign launches are planned with Japan, the United States, and France. No clients have withdrawn their requests, indicating trust in ISRO's credibility.

Background

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), developed by ISRO, is a versatile launch system. It has been a workhorse for launching various satellites into low Earth orbit, including remote sensing and scientific missions. Its origins trace back to the need for India to have an independent access to space, especially for polar and geostationary orbits. The PSLV's initial design focused on using solid and liquid propulsion stages to achieve the required thrust and control for placing satellites accurately. Over the years, the PSLV has undergone several upgrades and modifications to enhance its payload capacity and reliability. These include the development of more powerful solid rocket boosters and improved liquid propulsion systems. The PSLV has also been adapted for different mission requirements, such as launching multiple satellites in a single mission and deploying satellites into different orbits. The PSLV-C37 mission, which launched 104 satellites in 2017, is a notable example of its multi-satellite launch capability. These improvements reflect ISRO's commitment to continuous innovation and technological advancement in space launch capabilities. The PSLV operates within the framework of India's space program, which is governed by policies and regulations set by the Department of Space. The Space Activities Bill, once enacted, will further regulate and promote private sector participation in space activities. The PSLV's success has also contributed to India's growing role in the global space market, attracting international clients seeking reliable and cost-effective launch services. The vehicle's performance is crucial for maintaining India's reputation as a leading space-faring nation and fostering international collaborations in space exploration.

Latest Developments

ISRO is currently focusing on enhancing its launch capabilities through the development of new technologies and launch vehicles. The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is designed to cater to the growing demand for launching small satellites, offering a cost-effective and flexible solution. ISRO is also working on the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), which aims to replace the PSLV in the long term, with enhanced payload capacity and reusability features. The involvement of private sector companies in ISRO's missions is increasing, aligning with the government's push for greater private participation in the space sector. This includes manufacturing components for launch vehicles and providing launch services. The establishment of the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) facilitates private sector involvement by providing a platform for authorization and promotion of space activities. This collaboration aims to boost innovation and efficiency in the space sector, making India a competitive player in the global space market. Looking ahead, ISRO aims to increase the frequency of launches and expand its range of services, including providing launch solutions for international clients. The upcoming missions include collaborations with other space agencies for joint exploration projects. ISRO is also focusing on developing advanced technologies for space exploration, such as reusable launch vehicles and advanced propulsion systems. These efforts are geared towards strengthening India's position as a leading space-faring nation and contributing to global space exploration initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the key facts about ISRO's PSLV failures and upcoming launch for UPSC Prelims?

For UPSC Prelims, remember that PSLV-C62 failed on January 12, 2026, due to a third stage failure. The next launch is targeted for June 2026. An external team is investigating the failures. This year, 18 launches are scheduled, including 6 private sector satellites.

Exam Tip

Focus on dates, reasons for failure, and the number of planned launches for Prelims.

2. What is the PSLV and why is it important for India's space program?

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is a versatile launch system developed by ISRO. It's important because it provides India with independent access to space, especially for placing satellites in low Earth orbit for remote sensing and scientific missions. It has been a workhorse for ISRO.

Exam Tip

Understand the full form of PSLV and its primary function for the exam.

3. How does the PSLV differ from the SSLV and NGLV?

The PSLV is a workhorse launch vehicle for placing satellites into low Earth orbit. The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is designed for launching small satellites cost-effectively. The Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) aims to replace the PSLV with enhanced capabilities.

Exam Tip

Note the differences in payload capacity and target satellites for each launch vehicle.

4. Why is the investigation into the PSLV failures important for ISRO and India's space program?

The investigation is crucial to maintain the reliability and reputation of ISRO's launch services. Understanding the causes of the failures helps prevent future incidents, ensuring continued confidence from international clients and stakeholders in India's space capabilities. It also helps in improving the technology.

Exam Tip

Consider the impact of launch failures on international collaborations and space economy.

5. What are the recent developments regarding ISRO's launch schedule?

ISRO is aiming for a fresh launch in June 2026 after rectifying the problems that caused the PSLV failures. This year, 18 launches are scheduled, including six private sector satellites. Next year, three major foreign launches are planned with Japan, the United States, and France.

Exam Tip

Keep track of the dates and countries involved in upcoming launches.

6. What are the important dates to remember regarding the PSLV failures?

The important dates to remember are January 12, 2026, when PSLV-C62 failed due to a third stage failure, and May 18, 2025, when PSLV (C-61) also failed. The next launch is targeted for June 2026.

Exam Tip

Create a timeline of PSLV missions and their outcomes for better retention.

7. What common misconceptions might people have about ISRO's PSLV program?

A common misconception is that a few failures indicate a systemic problem with PSLV's reliability. While failures are concerning, PSLV has a long history of successful launches. The external review aims to address any underlying issues and reinforce confidence in the launch vehicle.

Exam Tip

Highlight the overall success rate of PSLV in your answers to counter negative perceptions.

8. What impact do the PSLV failures have on common citizens?

PSLV failures can indirectly affect common citizens as they may delay the launch of satellites used for communication, weather forecasting, and remote sensing applications. These services are crucial for various aspects of daily life, from mobile connectivity to disaster management.

Exam Tip

Relate space program successes and failures to everyday applications for a broader understanding.

9. What are the scheduled launches for this year, including private sector involvement?

As per the topic, there are 18 scheduled launches this year, including six private sector satellites. This indicates growing private sector participation in India's space program.

Exam Tip

Note the increasing role of private players in the space sector for Mains answers.

10. Who are the key personalities involved with the ISRO PSLV mission, according to the article?

According to the article, the key personalities are Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, and Jacob Koshy.

Exam Tip

Knowing key personalities can help in recalling related information during the exam.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV): 1. PSLV is primarily designed for launching satellites into geostationary orbits. 2. The PSLV-C37 mission successfully launched 104 satellites in a single mission. 3. An external team is currently investigating the recent PSLV failures. 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
Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is INCORRECT: PSLV is primarily designed for launching satellites into low Earth orbits, not geostationary orbits. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The PSLV-C37 mission successfully launched 104 satellites in a single mission in 2017. Statement 3 is CORRECT: An external team is involved in the investigation of recent PSLV failures, as mentioned in the news summary.

2. In the context of ISRO's launch missions, consider the following: Assertion (A): ISRO is aiming for a fresh PSLV launch in June after addressing the issues that led to recent failures. Reason (R): Companies with satellites onboard have expressed reservations about PSLV's reliability due to these failures. In the context of the above, 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: ISRO is indeed planning a fresh launch in June after addressing the issues that caused the recent PSLV failures. Reason R is FALSE: The news summary explicitly states that no clients have withdrawn their requests, indicating trust in ISRO's credibility, despite the failures.

3. Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding ISRO's upcoming launch plans?

  • A.ISRO aims for a launch in June after rectifying the problem with PSLV.
  • B.This year, 18 launches are scheduled, including six private sector satellites.
  • C.Next year, three major foreign launches are planned with Japan, the United States, and Russia.
  • D.No clients have withdrawn their requests, indicating trust in ISRO's credibility.
Show Answer

Answer: C

Option C is NOT correct. The news summary states that next year, three major foreign launches are planned with Japan, the United States, and France, not Russia. All other options are directly supported by the information in the news summary.