Isro ground PSLV fleet after launch disaster, continues to prep for Nisar launch
Days after the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle failed moments after launch, the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has temporarily grounded its trusted PSLV fleet.The development comes following the failure of the PSLV-C61 mission on May 18, which was carrying the advanced EOS-09 earth observation satellite.The decision comes as a high-level committee investigates the anomaly that led to the rocket's third-stage malfunction, resulting in the loss of the satellite and rocket over the Indian Ocean.advertisement
The PSLV, renowned for its 94% success rate with only four failures in 64 missions, encountered a rare setback when the third stage of PSLV-C61 suffered a sudden drop in chamber pressure, causing a loss of thrust.Despite the first two stages performing reliably, the third stage's solid-fuel motor did not generate sufficient thrust, and the mission was aborted less than seven minutes after liftoff.Experts suspect a rupture in the fibre casing of the third-stage motor as a possible cause, with hot gases from the burning fuel potentially entering sensitive areas.The EOS-09 satellite, equipped with a sophisticated Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) capable of all-weather, day-and-night imaging, was intended to support environmental monitoring, disaster response, and national security applications.Its loss is a significant operational setback for Isro, but officials remain confident in a swift resolution.advertisementDespite the PSLV grounding, Isro's other launch vehicles remain unaffected.Preparations for the high-profile Nasa-Isro Synthetic Aperture Radar (Nisar) mission, scheduled for launch in June 2025 aboard a GSLV rocket, are proceeding as planned.The Nisar mission, a $1.5 billion collaboration with Nasa, will deploy one of the world's most advanced radar imaging satellites to monitor Earth's changing systems and natural hazards.Internal and external expert committees are now scrutinising telemetry and system diagnostics from the failed PSLV mission, with a detailed report expected by mid-June.Isro officials stress that the temporary grounding of PSLV is a standard safety measure and will not impact the schedule of other critical missions, including Nisar and the upcoming Gaganyaan human spaceflight tests.As Isro investigates the rare PSLV failure, its focus remains on ensuring flawless operations for future launches, particularly with ambitious crewed and international missions on the horizon.Must Watch
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