ISRO’s PSLV-C62 mission fails after deviation in third stage, probe launched

What happened: ISRO confirmed that the PSLV-C62 mission failed after a deviation was detected during the third stage (PS3) of the flight.

Why it matters now: The setback affects India’s reliable PSLV launch record and could impact upcoming mission timelines.

What changes for people: A detailed failure analysis is underway, which may lead to technical corrections and launch schedule adjustments.

Who is affected: ISRO, satellite customers, scientific users, and India’s space programme stakeholders.

Lead

India’s trusted workhorse rocket suffered a rare setback on Monday as the PSLV-C62 mission failed following an anomaly in its third stage, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed from Sriharikota. The space agency said the mission could not be completed as planned and that an in-depth investigation has begun.

What ISRO said

In an official update issued from Sriharikota, ISRO stated that a deviation was observed toward the end of the PS3 stage, which prevented the mission from achieving its intended outcome.

ISRO has initiated a detailed technical analysis to identify the root cause of the anomaly.

Officials did not immediately specify whether the issue was related to propulsion, guidance, or control systems, noting that conclusions will be drawn only after data review.

Why the third stage is critical

The PS3 stage plays a vital role in building the required velocity and trajectory needed to place a payload into its designated orbit.

Any deviation at this stage can significantly alter mission accuracy or lead to complete mission failure.

Space experts say third-stage performance is especially sensitive because course corrections are limited once earlier stages have separated.

Impact on ISRO’s launch programme

The PSLV has long been regarded as one of the most dependable launch vehicles in the world, supporting India’s commercial, scientific, and international missions.

While failures are rare, analysts note that each anomaly provides valuable engineering lessons.

The findings from this investigation are expected to influence future PSLV launches.