The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) faced a rare setback Sunday after its 101st satellite launch failed mid-flight due to an anomaly during the third stage of the mission.
The Earth Observation Satellite, EOS-09, was launched aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61) at 5:40 a.m. local time from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The launch proceeded smoothly through the vehicle’s first and second stages, but ISRO confirmed the mission could not be completed following an observation in the third stage.
#WATCH | Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh | On the launch of PSLV-C61, ISRO Chief V Narayanan says, "…During the functioning of the third stage, we are seeing an observation and the mission could not be accomplished. After analysis, we shall come back…"
(Source: ISRO YouTube) pic.twitter.com/XvPpo7dfbn
— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2025
“PSLV-C61 performance was normal till 2nd stage. Due to an observation in 3rd stage, the mission could not be accomplished,” the space agency posted on X, formerly Twitter. ISRO Chairman S. Somanath added in a brief statement, “We will come back after analysis.”
The mission marked the 63rd flight of the PSLV and the 27th to use its extended-XL configuration. Prior to Sunday’s attempt, the PSLV had completed 100 successful launches, cementing its legacy as ISRO’s most reliable launch vehicle.
EOS-09, equipped with advanced C-band synthetic aperture radar, was designed for all-weather, day-and-night Earth observation. It was intended to bolster India’s capabilities in agriculture monitoring, forestry, disaster management, and border surveillance. Notably, the satellite carried deorbiting fuel to ensure a sustainable and responsible end-of-life disposal—part of ISRO’s renewed focus on mitigating space debris.
W. Selvamurthy, a senior scientist and former DRDO official, had earlier congratulated ISRO on the launch. “EOS-09 forms a part of a constellation of satellites that help track changes on Earth. It has strategic implications too, especially for border monitoring,” he told ANI on Saturday.
Sunday’s launch, anticipated by space enthusiasts across the country, was held behind closed doors due to heightened security amid India-Pakistan tensions. Visitors hoping to witness the event from the viewing gallery expressed disappointment.
“We came all the way from Ranipet to see the launch, but were told entry was restricted due to security issues. Still, I’m proud to be here,” said a child visiting the center.
Another young enthusiast, who traveled over 150 kilometers with his family, said he was disheartened by the restricted access but remains undeterred. “I will definitely come back for the next launch. One day, I want to become ISRO chairman,” he told ANI.
Despite Sunday’s failure, ISRO reiterated its commitment to future missions. “This mission continues the PSLV’s record of delivering reliable performance across a wide range of payloads and orbits,” the agency said in a statement.
