ISRO PSLV-C62 Mission Faces Failure Due to Third-Stage Glitch

ISRO PSLV-C62 Mission Faces Failure Due to Third-Stage Glitch

Why in News? 

ISRO’s PSLV-C62 mission, launched on January 12, 2026, from Sriharikota, failed due to a critical anomaly in the third stage (PS3). Despite a normal initial liftoff, an unexpected drop in chamber pressure caused a flight path deviation, preventing the deployment of 16 satellites.

Highlights of PSLV-C62 Mission

• About: The PSLV-C62 mission, launched on January 12, 2026, was a high-stakes endeavor for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) that combined strategic national security goals with pioneering commercial and scientific experiments. The flight was the 64th mission of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the ninth dedicated commercial flight managed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).  
• Launch Vehicle: The mission used the PSLV-DL variant, which features two solid strap-on motors to augment the first stage.
• Dimensions: The rocket stood 44.4 meters tall with a liftoff mass of approximately 260 tonnes.
• Orbit Type: The primary target was a Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO) at an altitude of approximately 505–511 km.
• Launch Site: First Launch Pad (FLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota. 
• Payloads: The mission carried a total of 16 satellites (1 primary and 15 co-passengers) representing a blend of strategic, commercial, and academic interests. 
  • Primary Payload: EOS-N1 (Anvesha), Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). It was hyperspectral imaging satellite capable of capturing light across hundreds of narrow spectral bands. It was designed for advanced strategic surveillance, border monitoring, and identifying concealed infrastructure or terrain changes.  
• Secondary Payloads:
  • AayulSAT: India’s first on-orbit satellite refuelling demonstrator, developed by Bengaluru-based OrbitAID Aerospace. It aimed to test propellant transfer technologies to extend satellite lifespans.
  • Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID): A 25-kg experimental re-entry capsule from Spanish startup Orbital Paradigm. It was designed to remain attached to the PS4 stage for a de-boost maneuver and subsequent splashdown in the South Pacific Ocean.
  • MOI-1: A 14-kg CubeSat featuring the MIRA space telescope and onboard AI for “edge computing,” processing image data in orbit to reduce transmission loads.
  • International Participation: Co-passengers included satellites from France, Brazil, Nepal, Mauritius, and the UK.
  • University Payloads: Included CGUSAT-1 (CV Raman Global University) and others from academic institutions like Assam Don Bosco University and Dayanand Sagar University.

Reasons for the PSLV-C62 Mission Failure

• Unexpected Drop in Chamber Pressure: Towards the end of the third-stage burn, telemetry indicated a sudden drop in combustion chamber pressure. This prevented the engine from providing the necessary thrust required to reach orbital velocity.
• Uncontrolled Roll Rates: ISRO observed unusual disturbances and a high roll rate—essentially an unintended spinning of the rocket on its axis. While the PS3 stage generally provides thrust, it relies on the PS4 stage’s thrusters for roll control; in this case, the twisting force (torque) likely exceeded the control system’s ability to stabilize the vehicle.
• Flight Path Deviation: Due to the loss of thrust and stability, the rocket deviated significantly from its intended trajectory. Instead of achieving a 505 km sun-synchronous orbit, the vehicle began to tumble, eventually re-entering and disintegrating in the atmosphere.
• Possible Manufacturing Defect: Experts suggest a potential breach in the motor casing or a gas leak from the nozzle joint created a “pinwheel effect,” driving the rocket out of control. 

Implications

• Impact on PSLV’s Reliability: The PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) has been the backbone of India’s space launch capability for over three decades. Before the PSLV-C62, the rocket had completed more than 60 missions with a success rate above 94 percent, supporting scientific, commercial, and strategic satellites. The back-to-back issues in PSLV-C61 (2025) and PSLV-C62 (2026) have dented this long-standing record.

• Commercial Launch Services: The PSLV-C62 mission included satellites from Indian companies and international customers. The loss of these satellites may erode customer confidence in India’s launch services. As global competition from private firms like SpaceX intensifies, maintaining a track record of cost-effectiveness and absolute reliability is crucial for India to retain its share of the global satellite launch market.

• Delay in Strategic Surveillance Capabilities: The loss of the Anvesha (EOS-N1) satellite is a major blow to India’s national security. This was intended to provide surveillance for identifying camouflaged military assets and monitoring sensitive border regions. Its loss delays the deployment of critical “eye-in-the-sky” technology required for real-time strategic intelligence.
• Shadow over 2026 Launch Manifest: ISRO has an ambitious 2026 schedule, including the Gaganyaan uncrewed test flight and the first industry-built PSLV launch. The current setback could trigger intensive audits. This may lead to delays in high-stakes missions as engineers prioritize “return to flight” criteria and additional redundancy checks for solid motor components.

Way Forward 

ISRO has initiated a Failure Analysis Committee (FAC) to conduct a detailed data audit of the roll-rate disturbances and chamber pressure drops that led to the latest mission loss. The agency may implement upgraded motor technologies, such as the carbon-epoxy composite cases recently validated for the SSLV, to ensure structural robustness. These corrective measures are vital for safeguarding India’s 2026 manifest, which includes the critical first uncrewed Gaganyaan test flight.