Failure of PSLV-C62 Mission: UPSC Current Affairs Story Arc

Overview

This arc tracks ISRO's transition from a triumphant 2025 to a challenging start in 2026. In late 2025, ISRO celebrated milestones like the SPADEX docking mission and leading the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters. However, the first mission of 2026, PSLV-C62, launched on January 12 from Sriharikota, ended in failure. A technical issue in the third stage prevented the EOS-N1 (Anvesha) and its co-passenger satellites from reaching their Sun-synchronous orbit. Despite this setback, ISRO maintains an ambitious 2026 roadmap involving 18 planned launches and a push for greater private sector involvement.

How This Story Evolved

Launch forecasted for Dec/Jan → Scheduled for Jan 12 → Reported as failed on Jan 28

1. 2025-12-18: ISRO Milestones and Future Missions
   More details

   UPSC Angle: ISRO achievements include in-orbit docking and power transfer demonstrations.

   Key Facts:

   • SPADEX Mission: Achieved successful in-orbit docking, undocking, circumnavigation, and power transfer demonstrations
   • ISRO led International Charter on Space & Major Disasters (Apr–Sep 2025)
   • Satellite-based wheat production estimate ~122.7 MT
   • NE-SPARKS: ~700 NE students exposed to ISRO facilities
   • Third Launch Pad (TLP) approved at Sriharikota
   • SSLV Launch Complex, Kulasekarapattinam: Launch pad foundation laid
   • CMS-03 multi-band communication satellite will provide services over a wide oceanic region, including the Indian landmass
   • LVM3-M6, the sixth operational mission of the LVM3 launch vehicle, featuring CE20 cryogenic engine is scheduled for launch in the first week of December
   • PSLV-C62 liftoff around mid or late December
2. 2026-01-12: ISRO to launch PSLV-C62 mission on January 12, 2026
   More details

   UPSC Angle: ISRO to launch PSLV-C62 mission on January 12, 2026.

   Key Facts:

   • Launch of PSLV-C62 Mission is scheduled on 12 January 2026 at 10:17 hrs IST
   • Launch from First Launch Pad (FLP), SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota
   • Carrying the EOS-N1 satellite to orbit along with 18 other smaller co-passenger payloads
   • PSLV-C62 mission is India's first launch of 2026.
   • EOS-N1 satellite (Anvesha) will be placed in a polar sun-synchronous orbit.
   • Launch is from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
   • The rocket is 260-tonne PSLV-C62.
   • Launch Date: January 12, 2026
   • Launch Time: 10:17 am IST
   • Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C62
   • Primary Payload: EOS-N1 (ANVESHA) satellite by DRDO
   • EOS-N1 Purpose: Strategic applications like border surveillance using hyperspectral imaging
   • Co-passengers: 18 satellites
   • Launch Location: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota
   • Other Payloads: Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID) from Spain's Orbital Paradigm
   • KID Purpose: Testing low-cost recovery for microgravity experiments
   • Other Payloads: INDO-MAURITIUS JOINT SATELLITE (IMJS)
   • PSLV-C62 is the 64th flight of PSLV
3. 2026-01-28: ISRO Plans Multiple Satellite Launches
   More details

   UPSC Angle: ISRO plans 18 satellite launches in 2026, including private sector involvement.

   Key Facts:

   • Total planned launches in 2026: 18
   • Launches with private sector involvement: 6
   • Planned missions: Sending people to the Moon and bringing them back, establishing an International Space Station
   • PSLV-C62 failure date: January 12, 2026
   • Reason for PSLV-C62 failure: Third-stage issue
   • Satellites lost in PSLV-C62 failure: EOS-N1 and 15 other payloads
   • Next PSLV mission target: June 2026 (contingent on investigations and fixes)

Genesis

Trigger

The mission was officially set in motion on January 12, 2026, when PSLV-C62 lifted off from the First Launch Pad (FLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Why Now

The mission was India's inaugural launch for 2026, intended to maintain the momentum of 100% success from 2025 and deploy the DRDO-developed EOS-N1 for strategic surveillance.

Historical Context

The PSLV is known as ISRO's 'workhorse' with a historically high success rate. This failure recalls past setbacks like the GSLV-D3 (2010) or the PSLV-C39 (2017) heat-shield failure, emphasizing that space flight remains high-risk despite maturing technology.

Key Turning Points

1. [2026-01-12] Launch and Failure of PSLV-C62

   It broke ISRO's successful streak and resulted in the loss of 16 total payloads (EOS-N1 plus 15 others).

   Before: High confidence following 2025's SPADEX success. After: Urgent technical review required for the PSLV third-stage motor.

Key Actors and Institutions

Key Institutions

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
• International Charter on Space and Major Disasters
• Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR

Key Concepts

Sun-synchronous Orbit (SSO)

A nearly polar orbit around Earth in which the satellite passes over any given point of the planet's surface at the same local solar time.

Current Fact: The PSLV-C62 mission intended to place the EOS-N1 satellite specifically into a polar sun-synchronous orbit on January 12, 2026.

Earth Observation Satellite (EOS)

Satellites designed for sensing the Earth from outer space, used for monitoring agriculture, resources, and strategic surveillance.

Current Fact: The EOS-N1 satellite, also known as Anvesha, was developed by DRDO for strategic surveillance but was lost in the PSLV-C62 failure.

PSLV Third Stage (HPS3)

The third stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, which utilizes a solid propellant motor to provide high thrust during the atmospheric exit phase.

Current Fact: A 'third-stage issue' was explicitly cited by ISRO on January 28, 2026, as the reason for the mission's failure.

SPADEX (Space Docking Experiment)

A mission to demonstrate the capability of two spacecraft to find each other and dock in orbit, essential for future space stations.

Current Fact: ISRO achieved successful in-orbit docking and power transfer demonstrations via SPADEX in late 2025.

What Happens Next

Current Status

As of January 28, 2026, ISRO has confirmed the failure was due to a 'third-stage issue' and is conducting a Failure Analysis Committee (FAC) review while proceeding with plans for 17 remaining launches in the year.

Likely Next

Expected release of the FAC report detailing the exact cause of the third-stage malfunction, followed by a 'Return to Flight' mission, likely with a private sector payload.

Wildcards

Potential delays in the Gaganyaan (manned mission) timeline if resources are diverted to address the PSLV stage reliability issues.

Why UPSC Cares

Syllabus Topics

• Awareness in the fields of Space
• Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology

Essay Angles

• The resilience of India's space program in the face of technical setbacks
• Balancing commercial space ambitions with scientific reliability

Prelims Likely: Yes

Mains Likely: Yes

Trend Signal: rising

Exam Intelligence

Previous Year Question Connections

• Difference between PSLV and GSLV capabilities and orbits. — The arc tests understanding of PSLV's specific role in launching EOS into Sun-synchronous orbits, a direct match for Statement 1 of this PYQ.
• Testing PSLV's use for IRS series and third-stage propellant types. — This arc centers on a failure in the PSLV third stage (Solid), which is a core technical detail often tested by UPSC.

Prelims Angles

• The PSLV-C62 failed specifically in the third stage (Solid motor), not the liquid or cryogenic stages.
• EOS-N1 (Anvesha) was developed by DRDO, not ISRO alone, highlighting civil-military synergy.
• India's 2026 target includes 18 launches, with exactly 6 (one-third) involving the private sector.

Mains Preparation

Sample Question: Despite the high reliability of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), recent failures highlight the inherent risks in space exploration. Discuss the significance of the PSLV-C62 mission failure for India’s strategic surveillance capabilities and the future roadmap of ISRO's private-sector integration.

Answer Structure: Intro: Briefly mention the PSLV-C62 failure and its payload (EOS-N1). → Body 1: Impact on strategic surveillance (loss of DRDO's Anvesha). → Body 2: Technical analysis of PSLV stages and why a 3rd-stage failure is significant. → Body 3: Discuss the 2026 roadmap (18 launches) and the shift toward private participation (6 launches). → Conclusion: Emphasize ISRO's 'fail-fast, learn-faster' approach and its long-term goals like the Indian Space Station.

Essay Topic: Success is not final, failure is not fatal: The trajectory of India's Space Odyssey.

Textbook Connections

Key Takeaway

The PSLV-C62 failure serves as a high-stakes reminder of the technical complexities in space flight, even as ISRO aggressively expands into private-sector collaboration and strategic surveillance.

All Events in This Story (3 items)

1. 2025-12-18 [Science & Technology] — ISRO Milestones and Future Missions
   ISRO's achievements in 2025 include successful in-orbit docking, undocking, circumnavigation, and power transfer demonstrations. The space agency also led the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters from April to September 2025.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: ISRO achievements include in-orbit docking and power transfer demonstrations.

   Key Facts:

   • SPADEX Mission: Achieved successful in-orbit docking, undocking, circumnavigation, and power transfer demonstrations
   • ISRO led International Charter on Space & Major Disasters (Apr–Sep 2025)
   • Satellite-based wheat production estimate ~122.7 MT
   • NE-SPARKS: ~700 NE students exposed to ISRO facilities
   • Third Launch Pad (TLP) approved at Sriharikota
   • SSLV Launch Complex, Kulasekarapattinam: Launch pad foundation laid
   • CMS-03 multi-band communication satellite will provide services over a wide oceanic region, including the Indian landmass
   • LVM3-M6, the sixth operational mission of the LVM3 launch vehicle, featuring CE20 cryogenic engine is scheduled for launch in the first week of December
   • PSLV-C62 liftoff around mid or late December
2. 2026-01-12 [Science & Technology] — ISRO to launch PSLV-C62 mission on January 12, 2026
   ISRO is scheduled to launch the PSLV-C62 mission on January 12, 2026, at 10:17 am IST from Sriharikota, carrying the EOS-N1 satellite developed by DRDO for strategic surveillance, along with 18 co-passengers, including international and domestic commercial satellites. The mission exemplifies India's increasing prowess in satellite launching, scientific innovation, and international partnerships.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: ISRO to launch PSLV-C62 mission on January 12, 2026.

   Key Facts:

   • Launch of PSLV-C62 Mission is scheduled on 12 January 2026 at 10:17 hrs IST
   • Launch from First Launch Pad (FLP), SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota
   • Carrying the EOS-N1 satellite to orbit along with 18 other smaller co-passenger payloads
   • PSLV-C62 mission is India's first launch of 2026.
   • EOS-N1 satellite (Anvesha) will be placed in a polar sun-synchronous orbit.
   • Launch is from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
   • The rocket is 260-tonne PSLV-C62.
   • Launch Date: January 12, 2026
   • Launch Time: 10:17 am IST
   • Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C62
   • Primary Payload: EOS-N1 (ANVESHA) satellite by DRDO
   • EOS-N1 Purpose: Strategic applications like border surveillance using hyperspectral imaging
   • Co-passengers: 18 satellites
   • Launch Location: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota
   • Other Payloads: Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID) from Spain's Orbital Paradigm
   • KID Purpose: Testing low-cost recovery for microgravity experiments
   • Other Payloads: INDO-MAURITIUS JOINT SATELLITE (IMJS)
   • PSLV-C62 is the 64th flight of PSLV
3. 2026-01-28 [Science & Technology] — ISRO Plans Multiple Satellite Launches
   ISRO is planning multiple satellite launches in 2026, with a packed schedule of 18 launches, including six with private sector involvement. The space agency is also working on sending people to the Moon and bringing them back safely and planning to establish an International Space Station. However, the PSLV-C62 mission failed on January 12, 2026, due to a third-stage issue, resulting in the loss of the EOS-N1 satellite and 15 other payloads.
   More details

   UPSC Angle: ISRO plans 18 satellite launches in 2026, including private sector involvement.

   Key Facts:

   • Total planned launches in 2026: 18
   • Launches with private sector involvement: 6
   • Planned missions: Sending people to the Moon and bringing them back, establishing an International Space Station
   • PSLV-C62 failure date: January 12, 2026
   • Reason for PSLV-C62 failure: Third-stage issue
   • Satellites lost in PSLV-C62 failure: EOS-N1 and 15 other payloads
   • Next PSLV mission target: June 2026 (contingent on investigations and fixes)