Unexpected Challenge in PSLV-C62 Mission Leads to ISRO Data Review

During Monday's flight, India's dependable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) encountered an unexpected deviation as it embarked on its 64th mission. The PSLV-C62 lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 10:18 am, carrying the EOS-N1 alongside 14 co-passenger satellites. While the launch proceeded without issues, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) later reported an anomaly detected in the vehicle's third stage.

Dr. V. Narayanan, ISRO's Chairman, stated that engineers are diligently analyzing the flight data to discern the cause of the deviation. He refrained from labeling the mission a success or failure, indicating ISRO's commitment to a thorough and scientific evaluation before drawing any conclusions. The agency has promised to release detailed findings once the analysis concludes.

This mission held particular significance, as it followed a PSLV failure in 2025. The PSLV has consistently been one of India’s esteemed launch vehicles, boasting a commendable success record. Incidents involving such a reliable rocket garner significant attention both domestically and internationally. Experts highlight that setbacks in space exploration are commonplace and typically facilitate advancements in future systems.

PSLV-C62 was designed to deploy a total of 15 satellites, with EOS-N1 serving as the primary payload to enhance India’s Earth observation capabilities. Among the other satellites was Anvesha, a surveillance satellite developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), aimed at providing advanced imaging for the monitoring of critical regions. Additionally, the Kestrel Initial Demonstrator was set for a controlled re-entry mission.

This launch also spotlighted the burgeoning Indian private space sector, as Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space marked its contribution of seven satellites to a PSLV mission, underscoring the increasing collaboration between private enterprises and ISRO in shaping India's space future.

Despite raising questions, ISRO’s composed response showcases its expertise and assurance. Space missions are intricate, and even minor deviations necessitate thorough examinations. Such assessments are vital for enhancing designs and avoiding similar occurrences in future launches.

Currently, the nation awaits ISRO’s comprehensive report. Regardless of the results, this mission exemplifies the challenges and resilience of India’s space endeavor. Transparency, meticulous review, and a commitment to improvement remain integral to ISRO's approach. As data evaluations continue, the emphasis remains on learning from this experience to advance toward more robust and secure missions.