ISRO sets up expert committee to investigate PSLV-C61 launch failure

Following the failure of the EOS-09 satellite launch on May 18, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has constituted a high-level investigation committee to analyse the cause of the anomaly that occurred during the third stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61), as per reports.

The National Failure Analysis Committee, reportedly composed of top scientists – more than half of whom are from premier institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs)—has been tasked with conducting a detailed review. The panel is expected to submit its report by mid-June.

A voluminous set of technical data has already been handed over to the committee for examination, as per reports. Additionally, ISRO has formed several internal committees to scrutinise each subsystem and operational aspect of the PSLV, a rocket known for its high reliability, boasting a 94% success rate with only four failures in 63 previous missions.

The failed PSLV-C61 mission was ISRO’s 101st launch and was intended to place the 1,710 kg EOS-09 Earth observation satellite into a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO). While the first and second stages performed nominally, an unexpected anomaly occurred during the third stage, leading to mission failure and unsuccessful deployment of the satellite.

ISRO Chairman Dr V Narayanan stated, “The third stage motor ignited perfectly; however, during its operation, an anomaly was observed, and the mission could not be completed successfully. We will come back after a detailed analysis.”

The EOS-09 satellite was designed to provide vital remote sensing data for national security, agriculture, flood monitoring, and disaster management, among other sectors. Its loss is a setback to ISRO’s operational applications and sustainability objectives, but officials remain confident in resolving the issue promptly.

(With inputs from syndicated feed)