ISRO’s first launch of the year fails

• India’s rocket carrying 15 satellites deviated from its intended trajectory

• For the first time, there was significant participation from India’s private space sector

Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh) – The launch of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) PSLV – Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle C-62 could not be completed due to a technical malfunction. A technical anomaly was detected during the third stage after launch, as a result of which the satellite could not be deployed into its intended orbit.

1. The PSLV rocket was to carry the “Anvesha” satellite along with 14 other satellites (7 Indian and 8 foreign). Anvesha is an Earth-observation satellite, planned to be placed in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 600 kilometres above the Earth. It is a surveillance satellite equipped with advanced imaging capabilities for precise monitoring and mapping. From hundreds of kilometres above the Earth, it can capture images of enemies hidden in bushes, forests, or bunkers.

2. The mission was operated by New Space India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO. This project is considered significant for India’s private space sector, as for the first time an Indian private enterprise had such a major level of participation.