In News: ISRO’s 101st Satellite Launch Fails: An Analysis of PSLV-C61 Mission
Background:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) experienced a rare failure during its 101st satellite launch on May 18, 2025, when the PSLV-C61 carrying the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-09 failed to achieve its intended orbit. The PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is ISRO’s workhorse, introduced in the 1990s, known for its high reliability and versatility in deploying Earth Observation, Navigation, and Geostationary satellites. Before this mission, the PSLV had failed only twice: in 1993 (inaugural flight, PSLV-D1) due to software errors, and in 2017 (PSLV-C39) when the heat shield failed to separate.Key Features:
- Mission Objective: Deploy EOS-09, a 1,700-kg Earth Observation Satellite with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload, into a sun-synchronous polar orbit at ~597 km.
- PSLV Structure:Four stages:
- PS1: Solid rocket motor with six strap-on boosters
- PS2: Liquid Vikas engine
- PS3: Solid motor providing upper-stage thrust
- PS4: Uppermost stage with two storable liquid engines
- PSLV Reliability: Over 60 successful launches prior to this failure, including Chandrayaan-1 (2008) and Mars Orbiter Mission (2013).
- Affordability: PSLV is cost-effective compared to international launch vehicles and capable of carrying foreign satellites, e.g., PSLV-C37 launched 104 satellites in a single mission (2023).
Key Issues:
- Technical Failure: Preliminary analysis indicates an anomaly in the third stage, preventing EOS-09 from reaching orbit.
- Recurring Challenges: Consecutive launch failures (including GSLV NVS-02 in Feb 2025) raise concerns about quality assurance and pre-flight checks.
- Policy/Operational Risks: Such failures can impact India’s satellite deployment schedule for Earth observation, navigation, and defense applications, and necessitate enhanced risk mitigation strategies.
Implications:
- Highlights the criticality of robust stage separation mechanisms and stringent software validation for complex launch vehicles.
- Potential delays in satellite-based services like weather forecasting, disaster monitoring, and navigation.
- Provides lessons for future PSLV and GSLV missions, including EOS and IRNSS programs.
Applications:
- Earth observation and mapping for meteorology, agriculture, and disaster management.
- Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imaging in all weather conditions.
- Supports strategic navigation systems like IRNSS for national security.
Way Forward:
- Conduct thorough investigation of the third-stage anomaly and implement corrective measures.
- Enhance pre-launch simulations, heat shield mechanisms, and stage reliability testing.
- Strengthen post-failure risk analysis and maintain schedule for upcoming satellite deployments.
Institution: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
- Established: 15 August 1969
- Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
- Function: Development and deployment of satellites, launch vehicles, and interplanetary missions; operationalising space applications for national development.
Updated - 18 May 2025; 04:45 PM | News Source: The Indian Express