ISRO’s PSLV-C61 Mission Fails: Chairman V Narayanan

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-09 aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61) on Sunday. The launch took place at 5:59 am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, marking ISRO’s 101st satellite launch.

The PSLV-C61 mission represents the 63rd flight of the PSLV and the 27th using the PSLV-XL configuration, a more powerful variant known for its enhanced thrust and larger payload capacity. According to ANI, this mission underscores India’s growing expertise in satellite technology, particularly for all-weather earth observation, which is critical for national security and disaster management.

EOS-09, also referred to as RISAT-1B, weighs approximately 1,696.24 kg and is designed to capture high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface under all weather conditions. This capability is crucial for applications such as agriculture, forestry monitoring, urban planning, disaster management, and national security. The satellite’s continuous imaging ensures real-time coverage, supporting various operational needs across India’s extensive territory.

The 101st satellite launch by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), conducted using the PSLV-C61, aimed to place the Earth Observation Satellite, EOS-09, into a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO). However, the mission faced an unexpected hurdle, resulting in the satellite not reaching its intended orbit.

ISRO Chief V Narayanan says, “Today we attempted a launch of PSLV-C61 vehicle. The vehicle is a 4-stage vehicle. The first two stages performed as expected. During the 3rd stage, we are seeing observation…The mission could not be accomplished. We are studying the entire performance, we shall come back at the earliest.”

The space agency later confirmed the situation in a post on X, stating, “Today 101st launch was attempted, PSLV-C61 performance was normal till 2nd stage. Due to an observation in 3rd stage, the mission could not be accomplished.”

Former ISRO scientist Manish Purohit highlighted the strategic importance of the mission, stating, “It strengthens monitoring at borders and coasts, particularly concerning sensitive areas. The satellite can detect ingress or suspicious movement deemed vital in anti-terror operations, especially after the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor.”

This satellite complements the data provided by other Indian satellites, including the Resourcesat, Cartosat, and RISAT-2B series. It is a follow-on to the RISAT-1 satellite and a repeat satellite of EOS-04, launched in 2022, aimed at improving the frequency and quality of remote sensing data available to the user community.

Ahead of the launch, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan offered prayers at the Lord Venkateswara temple in Tirupati, where he placed a miniature model of the PSLV-C61 at the deity’s feet, seeking divine blessings for the mission’s success. He remarked, “This 101st mission with PSLV-C61 will mark a major milestone for ISRO, showcasing India’s all-weather earth observation capabilities and reinforcing the country’s commitment to space-based solutions.”