The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) began its day early on Sunday with high hopes and national attention fixed on the skies. At exactly 5:59 a.m., the PSLV-C61 rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, carrying with it the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-09. This marked ISRO’s 101st mission and the latest addition to its celebrated Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) series.
The EOS-09 satellite, weighing 1,696.24 kg, was expected to be placed into a sun-synchronous polar orbit. This type of orbit would have allowed the satellite to consistently monitor the same points on Earth at the same local time each day, an essential feature for both civilian and defence applications. In the minutes following the liftoff, the PSLV appeared to perform flawlessly. The first and second stages of the rocket functioned as intended. Scientists at the mission control center watched with cautious optimism.
However, the sense of triumph was short-lived. Just a few minutes into the flight, the rocket encountered a technical issue during its third stage of operation. The problem, though not entirely understood at the time, was significant enough to prevent the satellite from achieving its designated orbit. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan addressed the mission team after the event, stating, "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."
The statement, while brief, reflected both the disappointment and the determination of India’s space community. ISRO later posted an update on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), confirming the issue. "Today 101st launch was attempted, PSLV-C61 performance was normal till 2nd stage. Due to an observation in 3rd stage, the mission could not be accomplished."
EOS-09: A Satellite with Strategic Importance
The EOS-09 satellite was not just another civilian Earth observation tool. Equipped with synthetic aperture radar and a C-band data link, the satellite was designed to capture high-resolution radar imagery, regardless of weather conditions or daylight availability. This capability made it valuable for land-use mapping, hydrology, urban planning, and climate studies.
But its utility extended far beyond civilian needs. The satellite was expected to serve strategic interests as well, particularly in the domain of defence surveillance. It was believed that the real-time and all-weather surveillance data from EOS-09 would have strengthened India’s tactical decision-making capabilities, especially in sensitive border areas.
Adding to the significance of the launch, ISRO had invited several Members of Parliament to witness the event. This move was unusual for a standard Earth observation satellite mission and hinted at the broader implications EOS-09 carried in terms of national security and international perception.
A Tough Reminder in Modern Spaceflight
The failure of EOS-09 comes as a sobering reminder of the complex challenges that accompany space exploration. Despite ISRO’s stellar track record with the PSLV, often hailed as one of the most reliable rockets in the world, even the most experienced agencies are not immune to setbacks.
In modern spaceflight, three factors constantly compete: cost, reliability, and time. Engineers and scientists are under constant pressure to deliver advanced capabilities on tight budgets and even tighter timelines. But in this delicate balance, even a tiny malfunction in a rocket’s subsystem can tip the scale toward failure.
Military and Civilian Pressures Collide
India’s space ambitions are rapidly expanding. The nation is moving ahead with its Space-Based Surveillance-3 programme, which aims to launch 52 surveillance satellites in the coming years. Of these, 31 are to be developed by private industry players, a bold step toward privatizing space efforts and nurturing domestic aerospace talent. However, this new wave of private-sector involvement still leans heavily on ISRO for technical guidance and operational experience.
This growing programme has gained even more urgency in the wake of Operation Sindoor, a military operation that reportedly highlighted gaps in India’s real-time satellite surveillance capability. In one instance, Indian forces had to depend on a foreign commercial satellite operator to obtain timely data. That moment underscored the strategic need for a self-reliant, responsive satellite infrastructure.
In this context, EOS-09 was more than just a scientific or observational mission. It represented a stepping stone toward bolstering India’s own space-based surveillance capabilities. The failure, therefore, is not just a technical hiccup but a delay in critical infrastructure development for both military and civilian sectors.
Not the First Setback This Year!
The PSLV-C61 mishap is ISRO’s second high-profile failure in 2025. Earlier in January, the organization faced a similar disappointment when the NVS-02 navigation satellite failed to reach its designated orbit. These repeated setbacks have sparked calls from within the scientific community and policy circles for a reassessment of priorities and resources.
The demand for more frequent and complex missions, including human spaceflight, data acquisition, and Earth observation, is placing considerable strain on ISRO’s infrastructure and manpower. While the organization continues to maintain high standards, the volume and diversity of projects are pushing its limits. Adding to the challenge is India’s entry into the highly competitive global space industry, where speed, efficiency, and reliability are paramount.
The Need for Greater Investment
Given the increasing expectations from ISRO, ranging from launching navigation satellites to managing human spaceflight programmes and boosting military surveillance, there is a growing consensus that the agency requires more resources. Increased funding, better infrastructure, and enhanced collaboration with private partners could help ISRO meet the ever-expanding list of national and international commitments.
India’s space programme is at a crossroads. On one hand, it is aiming for interplanetary exploration and human space missions. On the other hand, it is tasked with safeguarding national security and responding to climate emergencies. This dual responsibility is immense and demands nothing less than full institutional support.
A Pause, Not the End...
While the PSLV-C61 mission did not go as planned, it is far from a failure of vision. Setbacks like these are common in the history of space exploration. Agencies such as NASA, Roscosmos, and the European Space Agency have all experienced launch failures and satellite malfunctions. What defines the success of a space programme is not the absence of errors but how it learns and rebounds from them.
ISRO’s commitment to transparency, its rapid response in acknowledging the issue, and its promise to conduct a thorough analysis speak volumes about its integrity and dedication. The road to space is long and arduous, but India’s resolve remains firm.
As ISRO prepares for future launches, including those tied to military surveillance and deep space exploration, lessons from the EOS-09 mission will surely be incorporated. The next rocket that lifts off from Sriharikota will carry not only a new payload but also the collective hopes of a nation determined to rise above adversity.
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