Workhorse Stumbles but Stands Ready: ISRO Mobilizes Elite Team to Diagnose PSLV Anomaly After Rare Setback

India’s renowned Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle experienced a technical anomaly during Monday’s PSLV-C62 mission, prompting ISRO to launch an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the third-stage performance issue. While the mission did not achieve its intended orbit, ISRO’s rapid response and transparent communication demonstrate the agency’s commitment to maintaining its world-class space program standards. The setback affects 16 satellites but provides invaluable data that will strengthen the reliability of India’s most trusted launch vehicle going forward.

🚀 What Happened: Technical Analysis

The PSLV-C62 mission lifted off nominally at 10:18 AM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on Monday, January 12, 2026, with all early flight stages performing as expected.

• Nominal Early Performance: The rocket’s first and second stages operated flawlessly, demonstrating the fundamental soundness of the PSLV design.
• Third Stage Anomaly: Approximately eight minutes into flight, telemetry detected an unexpected roll disturbance during the PS3 solid-propellant motor burn.
• Data-Rich Investigation: Engineers now possess comprehensive telemetry data showing chamber pressure variations and trajectory deviations, providing a clear roadmap for diagnosis and correction.

🛰️ Mission Payload and Impact

The mission carried 16 satellites representing India’s defense capabilities and international collaboration.

• EOS-N1 (Anvesha): The DRDO’s Earth observation satellite featured advanced hyperspectral imaging technology, representing cutting-edge Indian space capabilities.
• International Partnerships: The manifest included satellites from Nepal (Munal for academic research), Spanish technology demonstrator (KID Capsule), and Indian startup OrbitAID’s innovative AyulSat refueling demonstrator.
• Global Collaboration: The mission showcased ISRO’s role as a trusted launch partner for emerging space nations and commercial entities, a reputation built over decades of success.

🔬 Swift and Systematic Response

ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan demonstrated the agency’s commitment to transparency and excellence by immediately constituting a Failure Analysis Committee.

“While the initial flight stages were nominal, the third stage (PS3) failed to provide the required thrust… We have observed a significant deviation from the intended flight path.” — V. Narayanan, ISRO Chairman

• Expert Leadership: Former Chairman S. Somanath expressed confidence that the investigation team would “dissect the anomaly” with the same rigor that has made ISRO a global leader.
• Systematic Approach: Engineers will scrutinize propellant grain integrity and flex nozzle control systems, applying lessons learned to enhance future missions.
• Historical Context: With a 94% success rate over decades, the PSLV remains one of the world’s most reliable launch vehicles. This anomaly, while significant, occurs within a broader context of exceptional performance.

📊 PSLV Legacy: A Record of Excellence

🎯 Path Forward: Strengthening India’s Space Future

ISRO’s methodical approach to this setback positions the agency to emerge stronger.

• Gaganyaan Program: India’s crewed spaceflight program benefits from ISRO’s culture of rigorous investigation and continuous improvement. Every anomaly investigated makes human spaceflight safer.
• NavIC Expansion: India’s regional navigation satellite system expansion will proceed with enhanced confidence once the investigation concludes and corrective measures are implemented.
• Commercial Confidence: NewSpace India Limited’s track record of 400+ successful satellite deployments provides a strong foundation for maintaining international client trust during this review period.
• Technology Advancement: The comprehensive data collected during this mission will contribute to making the PSLV even more reliable, potentially pushing the success rate even higher.

💪 ISRO’s Resilience

This setback demonstrates why ISRO is respected globally: the agency’s immediate transparency, systematic investigation process, and commitment to learning from every mission. The same engineering excellence that built India’s Mars Orbiter Mission on the first attempt and landed Chandrayaan-3 near the lunar south pole will diagnose and resolve this anomaly. The PSLV has earned its “workhorse” title through decades of reliable service, and this investigation will only strengthen its legacy as one of the world’s most dependable launch vehicles.

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