ISRO’s PSLV-C62 Mission Suffers Setback After Third-Stage Anomaly

India’s space ambitions for 2026 began with high expectations as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the PSLV-C62 mission on January 12, 2026, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle lifted off at 10:18 am IST, carrying 16 satellites into space. The mission was particularly significant as it included EOS-N1 (Anvesha), a strategic Earth observation satellite developed for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), alongside several commercial, academic, and experimental payloads.

The launch initially progressed smoothly, reinforcing confidence in the PSLV, a rocket that has long been regarded as ISRO’s most reliable launch vehicle. Early flight phases, including booster separation and the completion of the first and second stages, were executed precisely as planned.

Image from Times of India

Anomaly During the Critical Third Stage

The mission, however, encountered trouble during the third stage of flight, a crucial phase responsible for accelerating the vehicle to orbital velocity. Telemetry data indicated unexpected disturbances towards the latter part of the third-stage burn. These disturbances led to a deviation in the rocket’s trajectory, preventing it from achieving the required conditions for successful satellite deployment.

ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan later confirmed that while the vehicle performed nominally for most of its flight, the anomaly near the end of the third stage resulted in the mission’s failure. Engineers are now closely examining flight data to determine the precise cause of the disturbance and assess whether systemic issues are involved.

EOS-N1 (Anvesha): A Strategic Loss

At the heart of the mission was EOS-N1, also known as Anvesha, a sophisticated hyperspectral imaging satellite designed to enhance India’s Earth observation and strategic surveillance capabilities. Developed by DRDO, the satellite was intended to capture high-resolution images across a wide range of wavelengths, supporting applications in national security, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and disaster management.

The failure to place EOS-N1 into orbit represents a significant setback for India’s defence and surveillance architecture, particularly at a time when space-based intelligence has become increasingly critical for national security.

Impact on Startups and International Payloads

In addition to the primary payload, PSLV-C62 carried 15 co-passenger satellites belonging to Indian startups, universities, and international partners. Several of these satellites were designed to test cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence-based onboard processing, communication systems, and experimental re-entry platforms.

The loss of these payloads has dealt a blow to India’s rapidly growing private space sector. For many startups, the mission was a crucial opportunity to validate technologies in orbit, attract future investment, and secure commercial contracts. The setback also underscores the financial and operational risks inherent in space missions, especially for emerging players.

A Rare Failure for a Trusted Launcher

The PSLV has been the backbone of India’s launch program for decades, successfully deploying satellites for both domestic and international clients. From landmark missions such as Chandrayaan-1 and the Mars Orbiter Mission to numerous commercial launches, the vehicle has built a reputation for consistency and reliability.

However, the PSLV-C62 failure comes amid concerns raised by a similar third-stage anomaly during the PSLV-C61 mission in 2025. The recurrence of issues in the same stage within a short timeframe has prompted calls for deeper scrutiny into design, manufacturing, and quality-control processes.

The MGMM Outlook

India’s 2026 space calendar opened with ambition as ISRO launched the PSLV-C62 mission carrying 16 satellites, including the strategically important EOS-N1 (Anvesha) Earth observation satellite for DRDO. The mission progressed smoothly through lift-off and the initial flight stages, reaffirming confidence in the PSLV’s long-standing reliability. However, the effort suffered a setback during the critical third stage, when unexpected disturbances disrupted the vehicle’s trajectory and prevented successful satellite deployment. ISRO has acknowledged the anomaly and initiated a detailed analysis, especially significant given similar third-stage concerns observed in a recent mission.

The failure has wider implications beyond ISRO, affecting India’s defence preparedness and the growing private space ecosystem. EOS-N1 was designed to strengthen surveillance, environmental monitoring, and disaster response capabilities, while several co-passenger satellites from startups, universities, and international partners represented innovation and technological validation for emerging players. Though rare, such setbacks highlight the inherent risks of space missions and the need for rigorous scrutiny of recurring technical issues. The focus now rests on corrective action and restoring confidence, ensuring that future launches align with India’s expanding strategic, commercial, and human spaceflight ambitions.

(Sources: India Today, Economic Times, Times of India)