The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its 101st mission, PSLV-C61, on Sunday, carrying the advanced Earth Observation Satellite EOS-09. Unfortunately, the mission failed shortly after launch. Although the PSLV’s four-stage vehicle performed normally up to the second stage, an issue during the third stage prevented the satellite from reaching its intended Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO).
“Performance was nominal until the second stage. We will come back after analysis,” said the ISRO Chief. In a post on X, ISRO confirmed the anomaly, stating, “PSLV-C61 performance was normal till 2nd stage. Due to an observation in 3rd stage, the mission could not be accomplished.”
This marked the 63rd flight of the PSLV rocket and the 27th using the PSLV-XL configuration. Despite the setback, ISRO highlighted that PSLV has consistently demonstrated reliable performance across diverse payloads and orbits.
EOS-09 was equipped with advanced C-band synthetic aperture radar, capable of capturing high-resolution images under all weather conditions, day or night—offering enhanced capabilities for surveillance, agriculture, and disaster management. Notably, the satellite also featured a deorbiting mechanism, supporting ISRO’s commitment to sustainability and responsible space operations by allowing for safe post-mission disposal.
The launch drew early-morning visitors to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, many of whom traveled long distances to witness the event. However, due to ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, public access was restricted for security reasons, leading to disappointment among eager families and children who had hoped to see the liftoff in person.
