India’s first major space launch of 2026 encountered an unexpected setback when the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle mission PSLV-C62 failed to achieve its designated sun-synchronous orbit due to a technical anomaly in its third stage. The launch, which took place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 10:18 a.m. IST, began on a nominal trajectory, with the initial stages of the flight proceeding as planned. However, a roll-rate disturbance detected during the PS3 stage altered the vehicle’s stability, leading to mission deviation and eventual failure to meet orbital objectives.
The PSLV-C62 mission was closely watched by both domestic and international stakeholders, as it carried a strategic hyperspectral surveillance satellite alongside multiple co-passenger payloads. As India continues to expand its space capabilities and commercial launch footprint, the incident has prompted renewed focus on launch vehicle reliability, subsystem integrity, and corrective engineering processes.
Mission Objectives and Strategic Importance of PSLV-C62
PSLV-C62 was tasked with placing EOS-N1, a hyperspectral Earth observation satellite developed for advanced surveillance and imaging applications, into a precise sun-synchronous orbit. Hyperspectral satellites play a critical role in environmental monitoring, mineral mapping, agricultural assessment, and strategic reconnaissance by capturing data across a wide range of spectral bands.
In addition to the primary payload, the mission also carried 15 co-passenger satellites from private firms and international partners, including payloads from Nepal, the United Kingdom, and Brazil. This multi-payload configuration underscored India’s role as a reliable and cost-effective launch service provider for global customers, a position the country has steadily built through decades of consistent PSLV missions.
Third-Stage Anomaly and Loss of Mission Control
According to official statements released after the launch, the anomaly occurred approximately 380 seconds into the flight during the operation of the third stage (PS3). Telemetry data indicated a roll-rate disturbance that caused the launch vehicle to begin spinning uncontrollably. As a result, the vehicle was unable to maintain the precise attitude and velocity required for successful orbital insertion.
The PS3 stage plays a crucial role in providing sustained thrust and directional stability during the latter phase of ascent. Any deviation at this stage significantly impacts mission success. This incident marks the second consecutive occasion where a PSLV mission has encountered a failure linked to third-stage performance, raising questions about component consistency, manufacturing tolerances, and system-level redundancies.
ISRO’s Immediate Response and Technical Investigation
ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan confirmed the anomaly shortly after the mission concluded, stating that a comprehensive analysis of flight data was underway. Engineers and mission specialists are reviewing telemetry, sensor readings, and onboard system performance to identify the root cause of the disturbance.
ISRO has also indicated that teams are assessing whether any of the payloads may still function in their unintended orbital paths. While full mission recovery is considered unlikely, partial data acquisition or limited operational capability has not been ruled out pending further analysis. Such post-failure evaluations are a standard part of ISRO’s mission assurance framework and have historically contributed to long-term improvements in launch vehicle performance.
Impact on India’s Launch Reliability Record
The PSLV has long been regarded as one of the most reliable launch vehicles in operation, with a strong track record spanning decades. Occasional failures, while rare, highlight the inherent risks involved in spaceflight and the complex interplay of propulsion, guidance, and structural systems.
The PSLV-C62 failure does not diminish the overall credibility of India’s space programme, but it does serve as a reminder that sustained success depends on continuous testing, validation, and iterative improvement. As ISRO increases launch frequency and undertakes more complex missions, maintaining rigorous quality control and transparent review mechanisms becomes increasingly important.
Lessons, Accountability, and the Path Forward
ISRO’s handling of the PSLV-C62 setback reflects its established approach of transparency, data-driven analysis, and institutional accountability. Lessons learned from this mission are expected to inform future design refinements, subsystem upgrades, and operational protocols, particularly for the third-stage propulsion system.
Looking ahead, restoring stakeholder confidence will depend on timely disclosure of investigation findings and demonstrated corrective action in subsequent launches. As India positions itself as a major player in both strategic space capabilities and commercial launch services, consistent reliability remains central to sustaining trust among international partners and domestic agencies alike.
The PSLV-C62 incident, while a setback, also represents an opportunity for technical introspection and strengthening of systems that underpin India’s space ambitions in the years ahead.