India’s space ambitions faced a temporary setback after a recent mission of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) did not achieve its intended outcome. While ISRO has built a global reputation for reliability and cost-effective launches, even the most trusted space agencies occasionally encounter technical challenges.
Now, a committee formed to investigate the incident has submitted its findings — and the report sheds light on what exactly went wrong.
About PSLV – ISRO’s Workhorse Rocket
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has relied heavily on the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for over three decades.
PSLV is known for:
- Launching Earth observation satellites
- Carrying navigation and communication payloads
- Deploying foreign satellites for commercial missions
- Supporting interplanetary missions like Chandrayaan-1 and Mars Orbiter Mission
With a long history of successful missions, the recent anomaly surprised many in the space community.
What Did the Committee Report Reveal?
According to the official review committee formed by ISRO:
1️⃣ Technical Anomaly in the Upper Stage
The primary issue was traced to a performance anomaly in the rocket’s upper stage. The fourth stage, responsible for placing the satellite into its precise orbit, did not perform as expected.
2️⃣ Drop in Chamber Pressure
The report highlighted a sudden drop in chamber pressure during the burn phase. This directly impacted thrust generation and trajectory control.
3️⃣ Propulsion System Irregularity
Investigators found irregular behavior in the propulsion control system, which affected fuel flow consistency.
4️⃣ No Structural or Design Flaw
Importantly, the committee clarified that:
- There was no fundamental design failure
- The PSLV architecture remains structurally sound
- The issue was mission-specific and not systemic
Was It a Manufacturing Error?
The report suggests that the issue may have stemmed from:
- Component-level malfunction
- Possible contamination or valve irregularity
- Minor integration oversight
However, ISRO has not indicated any large-scale manufacturing defect. Instead, the anomaly appears to be isolated and correctable.
Impact on India’s Space Program
Despite the setback:
- ISRO’s overall PSLV success rate remains above 90%
- Upcoming missions are undergoing additional validation checks
- Commercial launch confidence remains strong
Experts say temporary setbacks are normal in space exploration. Even global agencies like NASA and ESA have faced similar mission anomalies.
What Happens Next?
ISRO has already:
- Implemented corrective measures
- Strengthened quality control checks
- Enhanced propulsion monitoring systems
- Updated pre-launch simulation protocols
Future PSLV missions will incorporate recommendations from the review committee to prevent recurrence.
Why This Is Not a Major Crisis
India’s space journey has been built on resilience. From early experimental rockets to landmark missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, ISRO has demonstrated its ability to learn and evolve.
One anomaly does not define a space program.
In fact, internal transparency and swift investigation show institutional maturity — something that strengthens long-term credibility.
Read more: Why ISRO’s PSLV-C62 Mission Failed: Key Causes and Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
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What caused ISRO’s recent PSLV failure?
The committee report attributes the failure to a propulsion anomaly in the upper stage, specifically a drop in chamber pressure affecting thrust performance.
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Was it a design flaw in PSLV?
No. The report confirms that PSLV’s overall design remains structurally sound and reliable.
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Will upcoming PSLV launches be delayed?
ISRO has strengthened validation processes, but no major long-term delays have been announced.
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Will this failure affect India’s space missions?
Short-term delays may occur, but ISRO is implementing corrective measures to prevent recurrence.
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