Team TrickyScribe: On 18th May 2025 at 05:59 AM IST, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) initiated what was set to be a landmark 101st space mission. The PSLV-C61 carrying Earth Observation Satellite EOS-09 lifted off from the First Launch Pad (FLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR), Sriharikota. The goal: to insert EOS-09 into a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO), enhancing India’s remote sensing capabilities.
Trusted Workhorse: PSLV-C61’s Technical Profile
The PSLV-C61 mission marked the 63rd flight of India’s highly reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and the 27th using the PSLV-XL configuration. Known for its versatility and precision, the launch vehicle stood 44.5 meters tall, with a lift-off mass of 321 tonnes and a four-stage configuration supported by six solid strap-on boosters.
The mission’s post-deployment plan also included using Orbit Change Thrusters (OCT) to reduce the altitude of the PS4 stage, followed by its passivation, demonstrating ISRO’s commitment to space debris mitigation.
EOS-09: Powering Remote Sensing for the Next Five Years
The payload, EOS-09, is a state-of-the-art Earth Observation Satellite equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), weighing 1696.24 kg. Designed with a five-year mission life, it was built to deliver continuous, all-weather remote sensing data across applications such as agriculture, disaster management, and infrastructure planning. Notably, it carried deorbiting fuel for safe end-of-life disposal — aligning with sustainable space practices.
Mission Interrupted: Anomaly in Third Stage Ends the Streak
While the PSLV-C61 performed nominally through the first and second stages, ISRO reported an observation in the third stage, which prevented the satellite from being successfully deployed into its intended orbit. As a result, the mission could not be accomplished as planned.
ISRO engineers are currently analyzing the telemetry and flight data to understand the root cause of the anomaly. A detailed report is expected in the coming days.
Setback, Not Defeat: ISRO’s Spirit Remains Unshaken
Despite the setback, ISRO’s legacy of innovation and resilience stands firm. The failed deployment of EOS-09 marks a rare anomaly in an otherwise sterling record for the PSLV series. Space agencies around the world have faced similar hurdles, and each instance has provided critical learning for future missions.
This development, while unfortunate, will likely serve as a stepping stone toward strengthening India’s space capabilities even further.
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