India’s space program suffered a major setback on Monday when the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)reported an anomaly during its first mission of 2026, the PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 launch. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), carrying a total of 16 satellites—including India’s Earth observation satellite EOS-N1 (Anvesha) and 15 co-passenger satellites from India and abroad—faced critical issues during the third stage of its flight, raising concerns over the success of the mission and the fate of the satellites.

The 44.4-metre-tall PSLV lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 10:18 am, with the mission planned to place the satellites into a 512-kilometre Sun-Synchronous Orbit following a 17-minute flight. The launch began smoothly, with ISRO’s live broadcast showing normal performance through the first and second stages, and the ignition of the third stage as scheduled. However, shortly after third-stage ignition, engineers noticed deviations in the rocket’s trajectory.

Trouble in the Third Stage

ISRO chairman V Narayanan explained that the issue arose near the end of the rocket’s third stage, as the strap-on motors were still providing thrust. “The PSLV is a four-stage vehicle with two solid stages and two liquid stages. The performance of the vehicle up to the end of the third stage was expected. Close to the end of the third stage we are seeing more disturbance in the vehicle and subsequently, there was a deviation observed in the flight path,” Narayanan said at the Mission Control Centre.

This deviation was significant because it prevented the rocket from following the precise trajectory needed to inject the satellites into their intended orbits. ISRO confirmed on social media approximately 30 minutes after liftoff that the mission had “encountered an anomaly” during the PS3 burn, and that a detailed analysis was underway to determine the exact cause and consequences.

Status of the Satellites Uncertain

At present, ISRO has not confirmed whether EOS-N1 or the 15 co-passenger satellites were successfully deployed. Telemetry and tracking data from ground stations are still being examined to assess the status of the spacecraft after the rocket deviated from its expected path. “Today, we attempted the PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission… the mission could not proceed in the expected flight path. That is the information right now available,” Narayanan said, emphasizing that further updates will be provided once all tracking data has been fully analyzed.

The uncertainty surrounding the satellites is particularly concerning for international clients, as PSLV missions frequently carry commercial payloads for countries around the world. Delays or failures in deployment could affect satellite operators and customers who rely on timely launches.

A Repeat of Previous Setbacks

Monday’s anomaly is troubling for ISRO, as it follows a previous PSLV third-stage anomaly in May 2025, making it a second consecutive issue with the workhorse rocket. While the PSLV has historically been highly reliable, with over 60 successful launches for missions to the Moon, Mars, and hundreds of satellites for domestic and international clients, back-to-back anomalies now raise questions about recurring technical challenges with the third stage.

The PSLV’s third stage is powered by liquid-fuel engines, designed to provide precision thrust after the first two solid-fuel stages lift the rocket into initial orbit. Any deviation in this stage can compromise orbital insertion, which appears to have happened in this instance. ISRO engineers are now focusing on detailed flight data analysis to determine whether a mechanical issue, fuel anomaly, or guidance system error caused the deviation.

Importance of the Mission

The PSLV-C62 mission was particularly significant as it marked ISRO’s first launch of 2026, intended to continue India’s momentum in Earth observation and commercial satellite deployment. The EOS-N1 (Anvesha) satellite is expected to enhance India’s capabilities in monitoring natural resources, agriculture, and urban development, while the co-passenger satellites represent collaborative projects with international partners.

Failures at this stage could have far-reaching consequences, not only in terms of technical credibility, but also commercial commitments. PSLV is often considered the backbone of ISRO’s launch program, earning a reputation as a reliable workhorse. A consecutive anomaly, especially in the same stage, could prompt a review of systems, procedures, and quality checks to prevent future failures.

ISRO’s Response

Chairman Narayanan assured that ISRO is prioritizing a thorough analysis of the anomaly, noting that it is too early to make definitive statements about the satellites’ status. “We will share more details once data from all tracking stations have been studied,” he said, emphasizing transparency and careful assessment before issuing official conclusions.

The agency has historically demonstrated resilience in the face of setbacks. Previous mission anomalies, including the Chandrayaan-2 Vikram lander crash in 2019, were followed by careful investigations and adjustments, leading to subsequent successful missions such as Chandrayaan-3 and multiple PSLV launches for international clients.

Looking Ahead

The PSLV-C62 anomaly serves as a reminder of the technical complexity involved in space launches. Even a minor deviation in thrust or guidance can have significant consequences for satellite deployment. As ISRO continues to analyze telemetry data and conduct system checks, the priority remains determining the fate of the 16 satellites and implementing corrective measures for future launches.

Despite the setback, ISRO’s broader launch schedule for 2026 is expected to proceed, with several planned missions for Earth observation, communication, and interplanetary projects. Lessons learned from PSLV-C62 will likely inform design and procedural improvements to ensure the continued reliability of India’s launch vehicles.

In the meantime, both domestic and international stakeholders await confirmation on whether the satellites onboard PSLV-C62 reached orbit or if contingency plans will need to be implemented for replacement missions.