Post by : Saif Rahman

On Monday, India's reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) encountered a significant challenge during its 64th mission, PSLV-C62, which lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 10:18 am. Carrying the EOS-N1 satellite alongside 14 co-passengers, the launch commenced without issues; however, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) later reported a deviation during the rocket's third stage.

ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan stated that engineers are meticulously examining the flight data to determine the cause of the anomaly. He refrained from labeling the mission as definitively successful or unsuccessful, indicating a careful, scientific assessment will precede any final announcement. ISRO has dedicated itself to sharing comprehensive insights following the analysis.

The importance of this mission is underscored given the prior PSLV failure in 2025. Historically, the PSLV has been one of India's most dependable launch vehicles, with an impressive record of successful launches. Any complications with this trusted rocket attract significant attention both domestically and internationally. Experts contend that such temporary challenges are inherent to space exploration and can lead to improved systems in the long run.

PSLV-C62 was tasked with deploying 15 satellites, with the main payload, EOS-N1, aiming to enhance India's Earth observation capabilities. Among the co-passenger satellites was Anvesha, a surveillance satellite developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), designed to deliver high-precision imaging for monitoring sensitive regions. Another satellite on board, the Kestrel Initial Demonstrator, was intended for testing controlled re-entry.

This launch also marked a pivotal milestone for India’s private space sector. For the first time, a single Indian private entity, Dhruva Space based in Hyderabad, contributed seven satellites to a PSLV mission, showcasing the burgeoning role of private companies alongside ISRO in shaping India's space ambitions.

Despite the deviation causing concern, ISRO's composed response demonstrates its proficiency and confidence. Space missions are intricate, and even minor variations in flight patterns can necessitate thorough investigations. Such analyses often lead to design improvements and mitigate similar issues in future missions.

As the nation awaits ISRO’s final assessment, this mission highlights the complexities and strengths of India's space endeavors. Transparency, meticulous scrutiny, and ongoing enhancement are fundamental to ISRO’s operations. While data analysis is ongoing, the priority remains on deriving lessons from this incident for the advancement of safer and more robust missions ahead.

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