Overview: The PSLV-C62 launch and the early anomaly
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched PSLV-C62 from Sriharikota on January 12, carrying the EOS-N1 satellite along with 15 co-passenger satellites. Moments after liftoff, ISRO reported that the mission had encountered an anomaly. The brief statement signaled trouble with the flight plan, but ISRO did not immediately provide a full technical breakdown in public updates. In such cases, ISRO typically forms an independent anomaly investigation committee to determine the root causes and to recommend corrective measures for future flights.
What is PSLV-C62 supposed to achieve?
PSLV-C62 is part of ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle program, designed to place satellites into precise sun-synchronous orbits. EOS-N1 is a Earth Observation satellite developed by ISRO, intended to provide high-resolution imagery for applications ranging from agriculture to disaster management. The mission also carried a fleet of co-passenger satellites, a common practice for PSLV missions to maximize cost efficiency and scientific output.
Why do launch anomalies happen and how does ISRO respond?
Launch anomalies can arise from a variety of subsystems—propulsion, avionics, telemetry, or the separation system for the payloads. When ISRO detects an issue, it typically stops the nominal mission timeline, preserves data, and initiates a formal inquiry. ISRO’s standard response includes:
- Collecting and analyzing telemetry from all stages of flight.
- Chairing an independent committee to identify root causes and evaluate design, manufacturing, or integration gaps.
- Issuing updates to the public with a clear, but careful, description of findings and potential mission impacts.
- Revisiting risk management and schedule planning for future PSLV flights.
What does this mean for EOS-N1 and the co-passenger satellites?
In a launch with multiple payloads, a failure in the primary stage could stress the mission’s viability for all satellites onboard. Depending on the anomaly’s nature, ISRO may look for alternative deployment windows or mission configurations that could salvage some or all of the payloads. Historically, ISRO has successfully resumed operations by applying lessons learned from investigations and adjusting mission parameters or hardware configurations for future flights.
What next for ISRO and the PSLV program?
ISRO’s PSLV program remains a workhorse for India’s space ambitions. Anomaly reviews are part of the risk-managed development cycle that fuels improvements in reliability and cost efficiency. The agency typically shares a public update after the anomaly committee completes its assessment, outlining findings and a path forward. Ahead of future PSLV launches, ISRO’s teams may re-test propulsion systems, verify payload integration procedures, and refine mission timelines to prevent a repeat of the issue.
Why this matters for India’s space plans
While a launch anomaly is a setback, it also serves as a critical learning opportunity. ISRO’s culture of meticulous investigation has helped the agency build a robust launch cadence over decades. The PSLV-C62 incident does not necessarily derail India’s broader space objectives; rather, it emphasizes the importance of rigorous verification, fault isolation, and disciplined cadence in a high-stakes domain where reliability is paramount for satellites serving governance, agriculture, and disaster response functions.
