Synopsis: ISRO’s PSLV-C61 mission failed on May 18, 2025, due to a third-stage anomaly, marking the third failure in 63 launches. This feature explores the failure, its history, potential causes, and the path forward for India’s space program.
New Delhi: On May 18, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) faced a significant setback when its PSLV-C61 mission failed to place the EOS-09 satellite into its intended sun-synchronous polar orbit. Launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, this mission was the 63rd flight of the PSLV series and the 27th in its XL configuration. ISRO chief V Narayanan confirmed that the failure stemmed from a third-stage anomaly, specifically a pressure drop in the chamber, possibly due to a flex nozzle malfunction. This marked the third failure in the PSLV program’s history, prompting a thorough investigation by ISRO’s Failure Analysis Committee (FAC).
A Rare Setback in PSLV’s Legacy: The PSLV program has been a cornerstone of ISRO’s success, with a 95% success rate across 63 launches since 1993. The first failure, PSLV-D1 in 1993, resulted from a software glitch causing attitude control issues during stage separation. The second, in 2017, involved the PSLV-C39 mission, where a payload fairing failed to separate, trapping the satellite. The PSLV-C61 failure occurred 203 seconds into the flight, when the third stage—a solid motor system—lost pressure, leading to insufficient thrust. The rocket reached an apogee of 520 km at 4 km/s, far below the required orbital velocity, and the mission was terminated safely. This rare failure underscores the inherent challenges of spaceflight, even for a reliable vehicle like the PSLV.
Analyzing the Failure and Speculations: Initial telemetry data indicates the third-stage pressure drop was likely due to a flex nozzle malfunction, a critical component for thrust vector control. Historical data shows that 74% of global launch failures between 2018 and 2023 were linked to propulsion or stage-separation issues, aligning with ISRO’s findings. However, the unexpected nature of the failure sparked public speculation on X, with some suggesting sabotage by an enemy country due to ISRO’s strategic importance and India’s geopolitical tensions. No credible evidence supports these claims, and ISRO has not indicated external interference, focusing instead on technical analysis. The FAC is reviewing manufacturing records, test protocols, and flight data to identify the root cause and recommend corrective measures.
Turning Failure into Future Success: ISRO has a proven track record of learning from setbacks. The 1993 and 2017 failures led to significant improvements in control systems and separation mechanisms, strengthening the PSLV program. The PSLV-C61 failure, while a challenge, is seen as an opportunity for growth. India’s skilled scientists are optimistic that the FAC’s findings will enhance propulsion reliability and stage performance, ensuring future missions succeed. As the adage goes, the path to success is often hidden in failure, and ISRO’s resilience suggests this setback will pave the way for advancements, reinforcing India’s position in global space exploration. Thanks to ISRO’s dedicated team for their unwavering commitment to progress.
Conclusion: The PSLV-C61 failure, ISRO’s third in 63 launches, highlights spaceflight’s complexities, but the agency’s history of resilience ensures this setback will lead to future triumphs.
