The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has reported a technical issue during a recent satellite launch. The PSLV-C62 mission encountered an anomaly towards the end of its third propulsion stage, prompting an immediate investigation by the space agency.
Details of the Launch Anomaly
In an official statement released on January 12, 2026, ISRO confirmed the incident. The anomaly occurred during the final phase of the PS3, or third stage, operation of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) flight designated C62. The agency stated that a comprehensive and detailed analysis of the event has been initiated to understand the root cause.
The announcement was made public at 10:59 AM IST by the national space agency. While the initial statement was brief, it is standard procedure for ISRO to conduct a thorough review following any irregularity during a mission. The primary objective of such an analysis is to gather data, assess the impact on the mission's overall objectives, and implement corrective measures for future launches.
Immediate Response and Investigation
Following the detection of the anomaly, ISRO's flight control and mission teams swiftly activated their contingency protocols. The launch of the PSLV, a workhorse rocket known for its reliability, is a complex sequence of events where each stage must perform flawlessly. The PS3 stage is a critical phase in the vehicle's ascent, and any deviation from the planned trajectory or performance parameters is taken very seriously.
The agency has not yet disclosed further specifics regarding the nature of the anomaly or its potential effect on the payloads intended for orbit. The focus, for now, remains on the technical investigation. Experts will scrutinize telemetry data, stage performance metrics, and other relevant information to piece together a complete picture of what transpired.
Context and Looking Ahead
This event underscores the inherent challenges and high-stakes nature of space exploration. Even with extensive testing and a proven track record, the complex engineering of launch vehicles can present unforeseen issues. ISRO has a strong history of transparency in reporting such events and a robust engineering culture focused on learning from every mission, whether fully successful or not.
The outcome of the detailed analysis will be crucial. It will determine the necessary technical adjustments, inform future mission planning, and help maintain the high standards of reliability associated with India's space program. The global space community and the nation will be awaiting further updates from ISRO as the investigation progresses.
