ISRO's PSLV-C62 mission aims to restore confidence after 2025 failure

India's space agency, ISRO, is preparing to return its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) to service with the PSLV-C62 mission. Scheduled for liftoff from Sriharikota on January 12, 2026, the launch follows a seven-month grounding after the failure of PSLV-C61 in May 2025. Engineers have since implemented key fixes to prevent a repeat of the earlier propulsion issue.

The PSLV-C61 mission ended in failure on May 18, 2025, when a propulsion anomaly in the solid-fuel stage caused the rocket to lose control. ISRO immediately grounded the entire PSLV fleet and launched a thorough investigation. Reviews identified weaknesses in the motor casing and nozzle control systems, prompting corrective measures.

For PSLV-C62, engineers reinforced the motor casing and upgraded the nozzle control mechanisms. These changes aim to ensure stability during flight. The mission will carry the primary payload, EOS-N1, an Earth observation satellite designed for high-resolution imaging. Alongside it, the rocket will deploy EOS-Anvesha, a satellite dedicated to maritime surveillance.

The PSLV's four-stage design allows for precise satellite placement, particularly into Sun-synchronous polar orbits. This mission will also transport eight international co-passenger satellites from Thailand, Nepal, France, Spain, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. Despite the previous failure, the PSLV remains one of ISRO's most reliable launchers, with a success rate of 94-95% over more than 350 satellite deployments since 1993.

The upcoming flight will serve as a critical test of the implemented fixes. Mission controllers will monitor performance closely to confirm the effectiveness of the upgrades.

The PSLV-C62 mission marks ISRO's return to flight operations after addressing the causes of the May 2025 failure. A successful launch would restore confidence in the PSLV's reliability and allow the agency to resume its busy schedule of satellite deployments. The mission's outcomes will determine whether further adjustments are needed before future flights.