Mon Feb 02 15:36:29 UTC 2026: # ISRO Faces Scrutiny After Consecutive PSLV Failures, But Retains Client Confidence

The Story: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is under investigation following two consecutive failures of its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The most recent failure, on January 12, 2026, involved the PSLV C-62, which crashed into the sea after the third stage failed to ignite, resulting in the loss of 16 satellites. This followed a similar incident on May 18, 2025, with the PSLV (C-61), also due to third-stage failure, destroying the EOS-09 satellite. Despite these setbacks, ISRO reports continued confidence from its clients, both domestic and international, with no withdrawals from scheduled launches.

Key Points:

  • The January 12, 2026, PSLV C-62 mission failed due to third-stage ignition problems, losing 16 satellites.
  • A similar failure occurred on May 18, 2025, with PSLV (C-61), resulting in the loss of the EOS-09 satellite.
  • An external team is involved in the ongoing investigation into the causes of the failures.
  • The usual practice of publicizing the Failure Analysis Committee’s findings has not been followed for these two incidents.
  • Despite the failures, clients have not withdrawn their requests for satellite launches.
  • ISRO is targeting a new launch date in June 2026.
  • The Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, and Space, Jitendra Singh, suggests the causes of the two failures are different.
  • ISRO has 18 launches scheduled for this year, 6 of them involving private sector satellites.
  • Next year, ISRO plans three major foreign launches for Japan, the United States, and France.

Key Takeaways:

  • Consecutive failures of the PSLV, ISRO’s most reliable launch vehicle, represent a significant setback for the Indian space program.
  • The lack of transparency in publicizing the Failure Analysis Committee reports raises concerns about accountability.
  • Continued client confidence suggests strong underlying trust in ISRO’s capabilities, despite the recent failures.
  • ISRO is under pressure to quickly identify and rectify the cause of the failures to maintain its international reputation and launch schedule.
  • The involvement of an external team in the investigation signals the seriousness with which ISRO is treating the situation.

    Read More

Related News: