Launch Ends Prematurely After Third Stage Malfunction
India’s ambitious plan to place a new Earth observation satellite into orbit met with disappointment on Sunday when the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61) encountered a technical fault during the third stage of flight. The mission, launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, failed to achieve its intended objective.
ISRO Confirms Loss of Mission Due to Pressure Drop
Dr. V. Narayanan, head of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), confirmed that the issue occurred during the third stage of the launch vehicle. “There was a drop in chamber pressure within the motor case, which resulted in the mission not being accomplished,” he explained during a press briefing.
Satellite Details: EOS-09 Earth Observation Payload
The failed mission involved the EOS-09, a satellite intended for Earth observation tasks, which included imaging and environmental monitoring. The satellite was designed to enhance India’s capabilities in data collection for agriculture, forestry, and disaster management.
India’s Rich Legacy in Space Science
Despite this setback, India continues to be recognized globally for its achievements in space exploration. Since initiating space research in the 1960s, ISRO has launched numerous satellites for domestic use as well as for international clients.
One of its landmark achievements came in 2014, when India became the first Asian nation to successfully place a spacecraft into orbit around Mars in its very first attempt.
From Moon Landing Failure to Lunar Triumph
India’s previous lunar mission in 2019 ended in disappointment with a crash landing. However, the country made a strong comeback in 2023, becoming the first nation to land a spacecraft near the moon’s south pole. This area is of significant scientific interest due to the possibility of frozen water reserves beneath the surface.
The success of the Chandrayaan-3 mission was hailed as a technological milestone, reinforcing India’s growing stature in global space exploration efforts.
