A Launch That Began with High Expectations

The launch started the way many ISRO missions do - calm, controlled, and on schedule. The rocket rose cleanly from the launch pad, and for the first few minutes, everything appeared routine. Engineers watched the data come in as the vehicle climbed steadily, carrying its main satellite and a cluster of smaller payloads into space.

But the mood changed as more information became available. Not long after lift-off, mission teams began looking closely at the flight data. What initially looked like a normal mission soon required deeper scrutiny, and the focus shifted from celebration to checking what exactly had gone off script.

What ISRO Said After the Launch

ISRO’s first response was careful and measured. In a short statement, the agency confirmed that the mission had run into an issue and that all available telemetry was being analysed. There were no dramatic claims - just an acknowledgement that the sequence had not played out fully as expected.

This kind of restraint is common in space missions. Engineers prefer to study the numbers before drawing conclusions, especially when multiple stages and payloads are involved. The immediate task was to determine whether the satellite had reached a usable orbit and what options, if any, remained.

Understanding the Role of PSLV-C62

This mission carried added attention because PSLV has long been seen as one of ISRO’s most dependable launch vehicles. Its reputation has been built over years of steady performance, which is why even a small deviation attracts close examination.

An anomaly in such a mission is not automatically treated as failure. Instead, it becomes part of a larger technical review - one that looks at what worked, what didn’t, and what can be improved before the next launch.

What Was the Mission Carrying?

At the centre of the mission was EOS-N1, also known as Anvesha, a satellite meant to strengthen India’s ability to observe the Earth from space. Satellites of this kind are used quietly but constantly - tracking crops, monitoring floods, studying climate patterns, and supporting long-term planning.

The rocket was also carrying several smaller satellites developed by academic and private players. Their presence reflected how India’s space programme has expanded beyond single, government-only missions into a broader ecosystem involving universities, startups, and research groups.

Where Things May Have Shifted

According to preliminary indications, the anomaly occurred during a phase where orbital parameters are fine-tuned. Even slight variations in velocity or trajectory can prevent a satellite from reaching its intended orbit.

Launch experts note that such issues are not uncommon globally. Space missions operate at the edge of precision, where multiple systems must function perfectly under extreme conditions.

Why “Anomaly” Doesn’t Mean Failure

In spaceflight terminology, an anomaly simply means something behaved differently than expected. It does not automatically imply total mission loss.

Historically, several missions worldwide have encountered anomalies yet still delivered partial or even full mission success after corrective manoeuvres. ISRO’s engineering teams are known for attempting recovery where feasible.

The Importance of Sriharikota

The launch took place from Sriharikota, India’s primary spaceport, which has witnessed hundreds of missions. Each launch adds to institutional knowledge, even when outcomes are not perfect.

Failures and anomalies are analysed deeply, often leading to design improvements that strengthen future missions.

Global Perspective on Space Anomalies

Even leading space agencies experience anomalies. SpaceX, ESA, and Roscosmos have all faced mission deviations in recent years. What distinguishes agencies is how transparently and effectively they respond.

ISRO’s decision to acknowledge the issue early reflects a mature operational culture focused on learning rather than image.

What Happens Next

Engineers will continue reviewing data to determine:

• Whether EOS-N1 achieved a usable orbit
• Whether onboard systems are functional
• If any corrective steps can be taken

Only after detailed analysis will the agency declare the final mission outcome.

This careful process takes time - often days or weeks and premature conclusions are avoided.

Why This Mission Still Matters

Even with uncertainties, the mission represents India’s continued push in space science. Each launch contributes to technical refinement, capability building, and long-term confidence.

The second and final mention of PSLV-C62 underlines this reality: space exploration advances through persistence, not perfection.

Public Trust and Transparency

For the public, clear communication matters. By sharing updates openly, ISRO maintains trust even when missions face challenges.

Spaceflight is inherently risky, and transparency ensures that setbacks are seen as part of progress rather than as endpoints.

A Reminder from Space

The space programme’s strength lies not in flawless records, but in resilience. Each anomaly becomes data. Each lesson strengthens the next launch.

That philosophy has carried India’s space ambitions forward for decades - and will continue to do so.

FOR THE UNITED INDIAN

Why This Matters

Satellite missions impact weather forecasting, disaster response, and national planning. Understanding what went right and what didn’t helps readers appreciate how space science evolves.