ISRO’s PSLV-C62 Mission Fails After Third-Stage Anomaly, All 16 Satellites Lost
Summary: ISRO’s PSLV-C62 mission failed minutes after a perfect launch due to a third-stage anomaly, resulting in the loss of all 16 satellites - the second setback in eight months.
New Delhi,January 12, 2026: India’s ambitious space programme suffered a major setback on Sunday after the ISRO-launched PSLV-C62 mission failed, leading to the loss of all 16 satellites onboard, including a crucial DRDO maritime surveillance satellite.
The failure came minutes after a flawless and visually stunning liftoff from Sriharikota, shocking scientists, policymakers, and space watchers across the country.
This marks the second failure of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in less than eight months, raising serious questions about third-stage solid motor reliability amid an aggressive 2026 launch schedule.
What Happened During the PSLV-C62 Launch?
The 260-tonne PSLV-DL variant lifted off at 10:17 AM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
- First Stage – Normal
- Strap-on Booster Separation – Perfect
- Second Stage Ignition & Separation – Nominal
However, around eight minutes after liftoff, shortly after third-stage ignition, mission control experienced sudden telemetry loss. Soon after, engineers confirmed a disturbance in roll rate and deviation from the planned flight path, making orbit insertion impossible.
ISRO later confirmed that no satellite could be deployed.
ISRO Chairman’s Official Statement
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan addressed the media shortly after the anomaly:
“The performance of the vehicle up to the end of the third stage was nominal. Subsequently, a disturbance in roll rates and deviation in flight path was observed. We are analysing the data and will share detailed findings soon.”
ISRO has constituted a Failure Analysis Committee (FAC) to determine the exact cause.
Mission Objectives & Lost Payloads
PSLV-C62 was aiming to place its payloads into a 505-km Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO).
Primary Payload
- EOS-N1 (Anvesha) – DRDO’s next-generation maritime surveillance satellite, designed to enhance coastal and naval domain awareness.
Co-Passenger Payloads (15)
- Indian student-built satellites
- Private Indian space startups’ experiments
- Spain’s KID re-entry demonstrator, meant to test atmospheric re-entry technologies
All payloads were lost due to the failure.
Echoes of the PSLV-C61 Failure
- A third-stage chamber pressure drop occurred
- EOS-09 satellite was lost
- Final investigation findings were never publicly released
This repetition has triggered concerns over transparency, especially as the same stage appears to be involved again.
How Serious Is This for ISRO?
Though rare, this failure is significant.
PSLV Track Record
- Total missions before C62: 63
- Success rate: ~94%
- Key historic missions: Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission, Aditya-L1
Two failures within eight months are highly unusual for PSLV and could have strategic and commercial consequences.
Impact on India’s Commercial Space Sector
The setback may affect:
- NSIL commercial rideshare launches
- Confidence of foreign satellite customers
- India’s positioning as a low-cost launch hub
- Private space startups dependent on PSLV schedules
With global competition from SpaceX, Rocket Lab, and European launchers, reliability is critical.
Impact on India’s 2026 Space Roadmap
The double failure could influence:
ISRO may temporarily shift critical payloads to LVM3 until PSLV is cleared again.
Officials have reiterated India’s commitment to self-reliance in space technology.
The PSLV third stage uses a solid rocket motor, which:
Q1. Why did PSLV-C62 fail?
Due to a third-stage anomaly that caused loss of control and deviation from the flight path.
Q2. How many satellites were lost?
All 16 satellites, including DRDO’s EOS-N1.
Q3. Is PSLV unreliable now?
No. PSLV still has a 94% success rate, but recent failures demand corrective action.
Q4. Will future ISRO missions be delayed?
Some critical missions may shift to LVM3, but ISRO aims for quick recovery.
Q5. Has ISRO formed an investigation panel?
Yes, a Failure Analysis Committee has been constituted.
- Target of launching 100+ satellites in 2026
- NavIC expansion programme
- Gaganyaan human spaceflight timelines
- Parliamentary and audit scrutiny, as seen in 2025
ISRO may temporarily shift critical payloads to LVM3 until PSLV is cleared again.
What Happens Next?
- Detailed failure analysis underway
- Third-stage motor and nozzle systems under focus
- Design corrections expected before next PSLV flight
- ISRO confident of quick recovery due to PSLV’s modular architecture
Officials have reiterated India’s commitment to self-reliance in space technology.
Expert View: Why Third Stage Matters
- Cannot be shut down once ignited
- Requires perfect combustion stability
- Is sensitive to casing, insulation, and nozzle geometry
- Even a minor flaw can cause loss of control, as seen in C61 and now C62.
FAQs
Q1. Why did PSLV-C62 fail?
Due to a third-stage anomaly that caused loss of control and deviation from the flight path.
Q2. How many satellites were lost?
All 16 satellites, including DRDO’s EOS-N1.
Q3. Is PSLV unreliable now?
No. PSLV still has a 94% success rate, but recent failures demand corrective action.
Q4. Will future ISRO missions be delayed?
Some critical missions may shift to LVM3, but ISRO aims for quick recovery.
Q5. Has ISRO formed an investigation panel?
Yes, a Failure Analysis Committee has been constituted.
ISRO PSLV C62 Failure News,India Space Mission Setback 2026,PSLV Third Stage Anomaly Explained
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