PSLV-C62 strays from flight path, fails to launch satellite, Pg1

Key Highlights:

• ISRO's PSLV-C62 mission, carrying the EOS-N1 satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites, failed on Monday due to an anomaly in the third stage.
• The launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota occurred at 10.18 a.m.
• A disturbance in vehicle roll rates led to a deviation in the flight path.
• This is the second consecutive failure for ISRO's PSLV, following the EOS-09 mission failure on May 18, 2025.
• The EOS-N1 earth observation satellite was built for strategic purposes.

Detailed Insights:

• The PSLV-C62 launch sequence progressed as expected until the third stage, where the anomaly occurred.
• The failure poses a setback for ISRO, as the PSLV is considered its workhorse rocket.
• Financial losses are distributed among stakeholders, with the cost of the EOS-N1 satellite borne by the state, potentially requiring DRDO to seek additional funding.
• Private enterprises with co-passenger satellites likely had insurance policies to cover total loss during launch.
• NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) may have contracts that include re-flight guarantees or launch fee refunds for private customers.
• The absence of commercial insurance for strategic satellites means the government absorbs the financial risk.

Key Concepts Involved:

• PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle): An expendable medium-lift launch vehicle designed and operated by ISRO.
• EOS (Earth Observation Satellite): Satellites designed for remote sensing and monitoring of Earth's surface and atmosphere.
• NewSpace India Limited (NSIL): The commercial arm of ISRO, responsible for marketing and commercializing space products and services.