Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi
New Delhi, May 24: In an unexpected setback to India’s space ambitions, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) faced a critical failure during the launch of its trusted workhorse rocket, PSLV-C61, which was tasked with deploying a key Earth observation satellite. The mission came to a premature end 6.26 minutes into flight, raising concerns across the scientific community and prompting the formation of a high-level National Failure Analysis Committee.
The failure occurred shortly after liftoff from Sriharikota, with the rocket veering off trajectory mid-air, reportedly over the Indian Ocean, approximately 888 km downrange. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, which has an otherwise stellar record of 94% success in 63 missions, was carrying the EOS-9 surveillance satellite when it suffered a malfunction in the third stage, believed to be due to a fall in chamber pressure, as per ISRO Chairman V Narayanan.
Sources have ruled out an explosion in the third stage, clarifying that the rocket began losing altitude and thrust gradually, even as indications suggest that the fourth stage might have ignited. Preliminary analysis hints at a possible rupture in the fibre casing of the solid-fuel motor, weighing nearly eight tonnes, as stated by former ISRO Chairman and PSLV architect, Dr G Madhavan Nair.
Determined to diagnose the root cause, ISRO has entrusted the investigation to a committee comprising top experts from premier institutes like the IISc and IITs, who are expected to deliver a comprehensive report by mid-June. Simultaneously, internal review panels have been deployed to examine every subsystem of the PSLV, and a full audit of the rocket’s third stage is currently underway.
The space agency has clarified that only PSLV missions have been temporarily held back, owing to the unique nature of its third-stage propulsion system. "Each rocket is like a child. If one child falls, can you ask the entire village to stop walking?" said a senior scientist, illustrating the agency's cautious yet optimistic approach.
Despite the setback, ISRO’s launch calendar remains active. A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) has already been issued for the upcoming launch of GSLV-F16, slated for a window between June 18 and July 17. The mission will carry the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, a $1.5 billion project and the world’s most expensive civilian Earth imaging satellite, jointly developed by India and the United States.
Often dubbed “ISRO’s naughty boy” for its early inconsistencies, the GSLV has since gained stability and is expected to lift the high-stakes payload with precision.
As the world watches closely, ISRO remains committed to transparency, resilience, and a scientific approach in navigating this rare setback in its otherwise acclaimed launch history.