India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), renowned for its reliability, faced a rare setback on May 18, 2025, when its 63rd flight, codenamed PSLV-C61, failed to deploy the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-09 due to a technical anomaly in the rocket’s third stage. The mission, ISRO’s 101st launch from Sriharikota, underscores the challenges of spaceflight even for seasoned programs. Here’s an in-depth analysis of what went wrong, the implications, and the road ahead.
Mission Overview: PSLV-C61 and EOS-09
- Launch Details:
The PSLV-C61 lifted off at 5:59 AM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, in its XL configuration—a variant equipped with six strap-on boosters for heavier payloads. The rocket’s first two stages performed flawlessly, with the initial solid-fuel boosters and liquid-fueled second stage separating as planned . - Payload Significance:
The 1,696-kg EOS-09 satellite was designed as a successor to the 2022-launched EOS-04. Equipped with C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), it aimed to provide all-weather, day-night imaging capabilities for agriculture, disaster management, border surveillance, and urban planning. Its loss delays India’s plans to enhance remote sensing data frequency and accuracy . - Sustainability Focus:
The mission incorporated eco-conscious measures, including reserved fuel for deorbiting the satellite after its operational life to minimize space debris—a first for ISRO’s Earth observation missions .
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The Anomaly: Third-Stage Pressure Drop
The mission’s failure occurred approximately 366 seconds after liftoff, during the third-stage burn. Key technical insights include:
- Cause of Failure:
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed a sudden drop in chamber pressure within the third-stage solid rocket motor, which produces 240 kN of thrust. This disrupted the velocity required to reach the intended 535 km Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO) . - Telemetry Clues:
Live telemetry data showed an unexpected deceleration during the third-stage burn, prompting ISRO to cut the live feed. Post-launch analysis revealed the pressure anomaly, though the exact root cause—whether material fatigue, fuel inconsistency, or a valve malfunction—remains under investigation . - Historical Context:
This marks only the third failure in PSLV’s 32-year history. Previous setbacks include:
- 1993 Maiden Flight: A programming error caused attitude control loss.
- 2017 PSLV-C39: Payload fairing separation failure trapped the satellite .
Immediate Response and Investigation
- Failure Analysis Committee:
ISRO has convened a panel of internal experts and external academics to scrutinize telemetry data, stage design, and manufacturing processes. The committee, likely headed by a senior retired scientist, aims to submit findings within weeks . - Public Communication:
ISRO’s transparency was evident in Chairman Narayanan’s prompt post-launch briefing, where he assured stakeholders that corrective measures would follow the investigation. The agency’s social media updates also emphasized accountability .
Broader Implications for ISRO and India
- Program Delays:
The failure may temporarily delay upcoming missions, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program and Chandrayaan-4 lunar exploration. However, ISRO’s track record suggests a swift recovery . - Strategic and Economic Impact:
EOS-09’s loss affects India’s border surveillance capabilities amid lingering tensions with Pakistan and China. The satellite’s SAR technology was critical for monitoring infiltration and natural disasters in real-time . - Global Reputation:
While the PSLV remains one of the world’s most cost-effective launch vehicles (success rate: ~95%), this anomaly highlights the inherent risks of space exploration. Competitors like SpaceX and Arianespace may capitalize on the setback in the commercial launch market .
Looking Ahead: ISRO’s Resilience
- Technical Overhaul:
ISRO is expected to review third-stage manufacturing protocols, potentially adopting advanced pressure monitoring systems and redundancies. - Future Missions:
The agency has 12 launches planned for 2025, including the NISAR satellite (a joint NASA-ISRO initiative) and Aditya-L1 solar probe. These missions will test ISRO’s ability to rebound . - Public Engagement:
Despite the failure, public enthusiasm remains high. Families and students gathered at Sriharikota expressed pride in ISRO’s legacy, with many aspiring to join the space program .
Conclusion: A Setback, Not a Stalemate
The PSLV-C61 anomaly is a reminder of spaceflight’s complexities but does not diminish ISRO’s achievements. With a robust failure analysis framework and a pipeline of ambitious projects, India’s space agency is poised to turn this setback into a stepping stone. As Chairman Narayanan stated, “After analysis, we shall come back”—a testament to ISRO’s unwavering resolve .
PSLV-C61 failure
For updates on ISRO’s investigations and future launches, visit ISRO Official or follow #PSLVC61 on social media.
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