ISRO PSLV-C62 Mission Suffers Major Setback
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) faced a serious setback on Monday after its PSLV-C62 mission encountered a critical anomaly during the third stage of flight. As a result, 15 out of 16 satellites failed to reach their intended orbit, dealing a blow to the agency’s otherwise consistent Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle programme. The mission, launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 10:18 am, aimed to deploy the EOS-N1 Earth Observation satellite along with multiple co-passenger payloads into a 512-km Sun-Synchronous Orbit. Initially, the launch proceeded smoothly. However, trouble emerged soon after the third stage ignited, leading to deviations in the flight path.
Third-Stage Anomaly Alters Mission Outcome
According to ISRO chairman V Narayanan, disturbances were observed when the strap-on motors were providing thrust during the third stage. Consequently, the rocket failed to maintain the required trajectory. While ISRO confirmed the anomaly on its official X handle, the agency stopped short of formally declaring the mission a failure. Meanwhile, scientists have begun a detailed data analysis using inputs from multiple ground stations. Notably, this marks the second consecutive PSLV setback, following the unsuccessful PSLV-C61 mission in May 2025, which also suffered from a motor pressure issue. Therefore, concerns have grown over the reliability of the third-stage motor under specific flight conditions.
15 Satellites Lost, but ‘KID’ Defies the Odds
Despite the mission’s overall failure, one payload emerged as an unexpected outlier. The Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator (KID), developed by Spanish startup Orbital Paradigm, successfully separated from the launch vehicle. Remarkably, it powered on and transmitted data back to Earth. The company confirmed the development on social media, stating that it is now reconstructing the capsule’s trajectory. In contrast, other lost satellites included DRDO’s Anvesha, India’s first in-orbit fuelling satellite AayulSAT, CGUSAT built by students for disaster management, and a foreign Earth Observation satellite jointly developed by Thailand and the UK. As a result, experts warn that the failed payloads may now contribute to space debris.
ISRO Begins Probe, Findings Awaited
Following the launch, ISRO officials said the mission did not proceed along the expected flight path and that further clarity would emerge after comprehensive analysis. A former senior ISRO scientist noted that such investigations take time, as engineers must identify the root cause before implementing corrective measures. Nevertheless, the partial success of the KID capsule has offered a rare positive outcome amid disappointment. Going forward, ISRO is expected to release its findings in the coming days, as the space agency looks to restore confidence in its workhorse launch vehicle.
