ISRO’s PSLV-C62 Mission: A Promising Start to 2026 Marred by Third-Stage Anomaly
ISRO marked the beginning of its 2026 launch calendar with the PSLV-C62 mission on January 12, lifting off from Sriharikota. Carrying the primary EOS-N1 satellite and 15 co-passengers, the mission aimed for a sun-synchronous polar orbit but encountered a critical anomaly in its third stage.
Mission Overview
The PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission represented ISRO’s 64th flight of its reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) series, using the DL variant equipped with two solid strap-on motors for enhanced payload capacity. Scheduled for liftoff at 10:17 AM IST from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, this was the ninth dedicated commercial mission by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm. The PSLV-DL configuration excels in precise orbital insertions, particularly for sun-synchronous polar orbits at around 500-600 km altitude, ideal for Earth observation tasks.
This launch followed ISRO’s strong track record with PSLV, which has completed 63 successful missions prior, including landmark achievements like Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), Aditya-L1 solar observatory, and the 2017 world-record deployment of 104 satellites in PSLV-C37. The vehicle’s four-stage architecture—alternating solid and liquid propulsion—provides flexibility for multi-satellite rideshare missions, making it a global favorite for commercial operators.
Primary Payload: EOS-N1 (Anvesha)
At the heart of PSLV-C62 was EOS-N1, codenamed ‘Anvesha,’ a hyperspectral Earth observation satellite primarily developed for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Weighing approximately 150-200 kg, EOS-N1 features advanced hyperspectral imaging payloads capable of capturing data across hundreds of narrow spectral bands, far surpassing traditional multispectral sensors. This technology enables precise material identification on Earth’s surface, distinguishing between vegetation types, minerals, and even camouflaged objects—crucial for strategic surveillance, border monitoring, agriculture assessment, urban planning, and disaster management.
Designed for a sun-synchronous orbit, EOS-N1 would provide high-resolution imagery (sub-meter in panchromatic mode) with revisit times optimized for continuous monitoring. For DRDO, it supports national security applications like troop movement detection and infrastructure reconnaissance, while civilian uses include crop health analysis amid India’s push for precision farming under schemes like PM-KISAN. ISRO’s Earth Observation System (EOS) series, including predecessors like EOS-01 and EOS-06, has bolstered India’s remote sensing capabilities, contributing to over 5,000 tons of foodgrain saved annually through crop forecasting.
Co-Passenger Satellites
Complementing EOS-N1 were 15 co-passenger satellites from Indian and international customers, showcasing PSLV’s multi-manifest prowess. These micro- and nanosatellites, totaling around 18 payloads in some counts (including primaries), hailed from partners in Mauritius, Spain, and others. A standout was the Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator (KID) from a Spanish startup, aimed at demonstrating re-entry and splashdown technologies in the South Pacific Ocean via the PS4 stage and KID capsule.
Domestic contributions included experimental payloads for technology validation, while international ones focused on IoT connectivity, Earth monitoring, and educational missions—mirroring PSLV’s role in fostering global space collaboration. The diverse manifest underscored NSIL’s growing commercial footprint, with PSLV launches generating over ₹1,000 crore in revenue since 2019.
Launch Sequence and Initial Success
The 44.4-meter-tall PSLV-C62 ignited flawlessly at T-0, with its six boosters providing initial thrust for a nominal first-stage burnout. Telemetry streamed steadily through the second stage, confirming attitude control and velocity gains as planned. Liftoff visuals from Sriharikota showed a textbook ascent, with the vehicle piercing the morning sky en route to its 500+ km polar orbit.
ISRO’s Mission Control at the Spacecraft Control Centre monitored parameters in real-time, with public live streams engaging students and enthusiasts nationwide—aligning with ISRO’s educational outreach for UPSC aspirants tracking space milestones.
The Third-Stage Anomaly
Minutes into the flight, trouble emerged post-second stage separation. ISRO reported an anomaly at the end of the PS3 (third stage) burn, marked by brief telemetry blackout and path deviation. The solid-fueled PS3, responsible for major velocity increment to near-orbital speed, failed to perform nominally, likely due to thrust vector control issues or structural failure—echoing rare PSLV setbacks like C61 in 2025.
Telemetry loss halted live updates, prompting ISRO to initiate a detailed technical analysis involving stage debris tracking, simulation recreations, and failure tree investigations. Preliminary data suggests the vehicle may have tumbled, preventing fourth-stage ignition and satellite deployment. Both PS4 and KID re-entry were anticipated regardless, but primary objectives hung in balance.
Implications for Satellites and Orbits
EOS-N1’s fate remains uncertain; if undeployed, it faces orbital decay or recovery challenges. Co-passengers, optimized for rideshare, might achieve partial orbits via momentum but lack independent propulsion for corrections. Sun-synchronous insertion failure disrupts hyperspectral data continuity, potentially delaying DRDO’s strategic ops and agricultural surveys critical for India’s 2026 monsoon predictions.
Insurance claims via NSIL could mitigate losses, but reputational impact on PSLV’s 95%+ success rate looms.
Historical Context of PSLV Setbacks
PSLV has faced anomalies before, like C39 (2016 Cryosat crash) and C61 (2025 third-stage loss), often traced to injector malfunctions or propellant sloshing. Each incident spurred upgrades, such as enhanced avionics in DL variants. Post-C61, ISRO implemented rigorous PS3 qualification tests, yet PSLV-C62 highlights persistent solid-stage vulnerabilities.
ISRO’s Response and Investigation
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed a high-level Failure Analysis Committee, drawing on SHAR and VSSC expertise. Telemetry from ground stations in Mauritius and Spain aids reconstruction, with Andøya Space Center data for splashdown analysis. Expect a 30-60 day report, per protocol, informing GSLV Mk III and NGLV transitions.
Broader Significance for India’s Space Program
Despite the hitch, PSLV-C62 reaffirms ISRO’s cadence—targeting 10+ launches in 2026 amid Gaganyaan prep and NISAR. It bolsters Aatmanirbhar Bharat in spacetech, with private firms like Skyroot eyeing PSLV successors. For competitive exams, this mission tests UPSC questions on ISRO milestones, orbital mechanics, and failure analysis—key for Science & Tech sections.
Future Outlook
ISRO’s resilience shines through recoveries, as post-C39 led to 20+ flawless flights. PSLV-C62 data will refine PS3 metallurgy and control laws, ensuring C63’s success. Meanwhile, EOS-N1’s tech transfers to DRDO satellites, vital for border security amid LAC tensions.
This episode underscores space exploration’s risks, yet ISRO’s transparency inspires. As analysis unfolds, India’s space odyssey presses on, powering defense, economy, and education.
