ISRO Initiates Probe into PSLV-C61 Mission Failure
On May 18, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) encountered a major setback when its PSLV-C61 mission failed to place the EOS-09 satellite into its intended orbit. The mission, launched at 5:59 AM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, progressed nominally through the first two stages. However, an anomaly during the third stage led to a rapid drop in chamber pressure, ultimately dooming the mission.
ISRO Forms Failure Analysis Committee
In response to the failed mission, ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan announced the formation of a Failure Analysis Committee to investigate the cause of the anomaly. The committee has already begun its work to identify what went wrong, and Narayanan emphasized the importance of the probe to ensure future mission reliability.
According to the ISRO chief, learning from failures is a crucial part of improving mission safety and technical robustness, especially as the space agency prepares for several high-profile launches in the coming year.
Third-Stage Anomaly Identified as Primary Cause
The PSLV-C61 uses a four-stage propulsion system, with the third stage powered by an 8-tonne solid rocket motor. Preliminary telemetry indicated a significant drop in chamber pressure during this stage, suggesting a potential structural or combustion-related failure.
Experts suspect that the failure may have been caused by a rupture in the motor casing or leakage from the nozzle section, which could have led to hot gas escaping, reduced thrust, and loss of trajectory control.
ISRO is expected to publish a detailed technical report once the committee concludes its review.
Future Launch Schedule to Remain Intact
Despite this setback, ISRO remains committed to its 2025 launch schedule, which includes multiple Earth observation, communication, and scientific missions. The space agency has reaffirmed its goal of executing at least one mission every month through the year, including those related to the upcoming Chandrayaan-4 and Gaganyaan programs.
The EOS-09 mission was part of ISRO’s expanding portfolio of Earth observation satellites aimed at climate monitoring, agricultural planning, and natural disaster management.
This failure, while a disappointment, underscores the complexities of space missions and ISRO’s commitment to transparency, improvement, and maintaining momentum in India’s space journey.
