India’s space agency suffered a significant setback on January 12, 2026, when the PSLV-C62 rocket experienced an anomaly shortly after liftoff from Sriharikota, resulting in the loss of 16 payloads, including the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite. The ISRO rocket failure occurred during the third stage, prompting an immediate investigation.
This ISRO rocket failure represents a significant blow to India’s ambitious space programme, which has positioned the nation as a key player in South Asia’s emerging space economy. With private sector involvement growing in satellite manufacturing and launches, such setbacks could delay regional advancements in earth observation, technology testing, and international collaborations, affecting economic and strategic interests across the subcontinent.
PSLV-C62 Anomaly: Launch Sequence
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, designated PSLV-C62, lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on Sriharikota Island at 10:18 AM on 12 January 2026. The mission aimed to place the EOS-N1 satellite and 15 co-passenger payloads into a sun-synchronous orbit. One payload, the KID capsule, followed a re-entry trajectory.
The first and second stages performed nominally. Mission control confirmed expected performance until the third stage. Towards the end of the PS3 burn, approximately six minutes into flight, telemetry showed disturbances in roll rates. The rocket deviated from its planned trajectory, tumbled, and failed to achieve orbital insertion.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan addressed the issue shortly after. He stated: “The performance of the vehicle up to the end of the third stage was as expected. Near the end of the third stage, we observed some disturbances in the vehicle’s roll rates, and subsequently, a deviation was noted in the flight path. We are analysing the data, and we shall come back at the earliest.”
All 16 payloads were lost. The EOS-N1 served earth surveillance purposes. The co-passengers included experiments from Indian startups, academic institutions, and international partners—the KID capsule aimed to test re-entry technology. Debris is believed to have fallen into the Indian Ocean.
This PSLV-C62 anomaly marks the second consecutive ISRO rocket failure in the PSLV series within eight months.
Indian Space Setback: Technical Implications
The ISRO third-stage failure appears to be related to an unexpected issue during the PS3 propulsion phase. ISRO’s official statement confirmed: “The PSLV-C62 mission encountered an anomaly during the end of the PS3 stage. A detailed analysis has been initiated.”
Analysts suggest possible causes include propulsion irregularities, attitude control malfunction, or structural problems. Telemetry data indicated the vehicle reached a suborbital path before control was lost. No explosion occurred, but the deviation prevented ignition at the fourth stage.
This setback in India’s space program follows the May 2025 failure of PSLV-C61, attributed to a pressure drop in the third-stage combustion chamber. That mission also resulted in the total loss of the payload. ISRO constituted a failure analysis committee for the earlier incident, with the report still under review by higher authorities.
The PSLV-DL configuration used in PSLV-C62 measures 44.4 metres in height with a lift-off mass of 260 tonnes. It comprises four stages: solid propellant for the first and third stages, and liquid propellant for the second and fourth stages. The PSLV family has completed over 60 missions with a success rate exceeding 90%, supporting landmark projects such as Chandrayaan-1 and Aditya-L1.
Financial repercussions are substantial. A typical PSLV launch costs around USD 25 million. The value of lost payloads, developed by private companies, universities, and foreign collaborators, may reach tens of millions of dollars in redevelopment expenses. For South Asia, the setback delays satellite services critical for agriculture, disaster response, and regional security.
Background
India’s space programme, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation since the 1960s, has earned global recognition for cost-effective launches. The PSLV, operational since 1993, remains central to the deployment of navigation, communication, and scientific satellites.
Recent policy changes have encouraged private participation through NewSpace India Limited. The PSLV-C62 mission demonstrated this collaboration, carrying commercial and academic payloads. However, repeated anomalies may affect investor confidence in India’s launch services.
In the South Asian context, India’s space progress contrasts with Pakistan’s more limited programme under SUPARCO, which depends heavily on foreign partnerships. Such setbacks could influence regional discussions on space cooperation amid competition from China.
ISRO’s budget for 2025-2026 stands at INR 130 billion, supporting human spaceflight through Gaganyaan and future lunar and planetary missions.
What’s Next
ISRO has launched a comprehensive investigation, expected to involve an independent failure analysis committee. Results may lead to modifications in the PSLV third stage’s hardware or software. Upcoming launches, including PSLV-C63 scheduled for March 2026, could face postponements pending safety reviews.
Affected private companies and institutions plan to reconstruct their payloads. International partners have offered technical support, emphasizing the importance of a rapid resolution. ISRO intends to sustain its launch schedule, targeting 15 missions in 2026.
Despite this ISRO rocket failure, India’s space programme has historically demonstrated resilience and the capacity to learn from technical challenges.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 13th, 2026
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