ISRO's PSLV-C62 Mission Faces Anomaly; Satellites Lost in Space
PSLV-C62 was carrying EOS-N1/Anvesha and 15 co-passenger satellites; faces technical anamoly in third stage of flight, the second consecutive PSLV mission anomaly
Jan 12, 2026 - The PSLV-C62 mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) encountered a technical anomaly shortly after liftoff on Monday (January 12), during the third stage of flight, resulting in a deviation from the planned trajectory. Although ISRO has not yet officially declared the mission a failure but emphasised that comprehensive investigation and data review are underway.
Marking the first orbital launch of 2026, the PSLV-C62, a 44.4 metre-tall, four-stage Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) variant, was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 10:18 am IST. It was carrying EOS-N1/Anvesha, a high-resolution Earth observation and surveillance satellite for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Additionally, there were 15 co-passenger satellites from other countries, including seven satellites from Hyderabad-based Dhruv Space. These satellites have now been lost in space.
Shortly after a nominal first and second stage, ISRO reported an anomaly at the end of the third stage (PS3). ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan confirmed it and said ground teams have begun detailed analysis of flight data to determine the precise cause.
Initial reports suggest that the PS3 stage underperformed, likely owing to unexpected fluctuations in propulsion behaviour, and that this prevented the rocket from achieving the intended Sun-synchronous orbit. As a result, the primary and co-passenger satellites may not have been successfully deployed.
This marks what appears to be the second consecutive PSLV mission anomaly, following the May 2025 setback of PSLV-C61 owing to issues during the third stage. It raises concerns about the industry-led PSLV launch said to be scheduled in the first half of 2026 which is being built by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Larsen and Toubro.
With Media Inputs
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