PSLV-C61 mission fails: Big setback to ISRO

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday launched its 101st big rocket Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61), which had the EOS-09 satellite on board. But the launch failed minutes later. 

It was carrying the Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-09) to space in a bid to give India an all-weather imaging edge. The PSLV-C61 was carrying an Earth Observation Satellite named EOS-09, that was to be put in a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO). However, the EOS-09 mission could not be accomplished. According to the ISRO Chief, the PSLV 4-stage vehicle, and performance were normal till the second stage. "We will come back after analysis," he said.

The space agency, in a post on X, said, "Today 101st launch was attempted, PSLV-C61 performance was normal till 2nd stage. Due to an observation in 3rd stage, the mission could not be accomplished."

Notably, this launch was also aligned with promoting sustainability and carrying out responsible space operations, as the EOS-09 is equipped with deorbiting fuel for safely disposing it off after the mission. This is the 63rd flight of the PSLV rocket, and the 27th using the PSLV-XL, completing a total 100 launches before May 18.

"This mission continues the PSLV's record of delivering reliable performance across a wide range of payloads and orbits," read a statement from ISRO.

EOS-09 is an advanced Earth observation satellite equipped with C-band synthetic aperture radar technology. It can capture high-resolution images of the Earth's surface under all weather conditions, day or night. This capability enhances India's surveillance and management systems across multiple sectors.