ISRO PSLV-C62 launch: Why are real space mission nothing like 'Mission Mangal' or 'First Man'?

ISRO launched its PSLV-C62 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota today. With this milestone, the focus is once again on India’s space programme and we are compelled to take a look at how space missions are portrayed on-screen. Safe to say, films often take creative liberties to show climactic rocket launches as high-stakes and last-minute thrill rides. But the reality unfolding off-screen at space stations is far more grounded and restrained and at the same time, methodical, and precise.

So how close do movies really come to capturing a real ISRO launch?

Real time events that happen during a PSLV launch

At the outset, a PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) mission like C62 is an outcome stemming from years of planning that involves weeks and months of final checks. By the time the countdown reaches its final hours of launch, every probable scenario, nominal or off-nominal, has already been simulated multiple times with meticulous recording of the data.

Moreover, during mission control, engineers speak only when required to. Also, there are no dramatic interventions during a designated lift-off. The launch itself lasts only a couple of minutes, but it largely represents thousands of hours of prior and meticulous work. Additionally, while the lift-off may be crucial but the most critical moment is the confirmation of satellite separation and orbit insertion.

The Bollywood and Hollywood representation

Indian space films, notably, 'Mission Mangal', have played a significant role in making ISRO a household name. The film went on blend science with patriotism, personal struggles with an emotional payoff. However, Bollywood often shows that scientists race against time during countdown, Also, creative liberties often show emotional breakthroughs while solving technical glitches. Additionally, films are interspersed with individual hero moments that often shadow teamwork.

However, in reality, ISRO missions are designed specifically to avoid such last-minute drama. Safe to say, any unresolved issues are not left unchecked and not relied on any dramatic fixes.

Meanwhile, space films in Hollywood are often praised for their realism, particularly with respect to the visual effects and sound design. Films like 'Apollo 13' and 'First Man' have accurately portrayed mission control discipline and engineering challenges, close to ISRO's real-time working. Having said this, even Hollywood films go on to amplify tensions by showing near-catastrophic launch sequences or compressing the timelines for a narrative impact or emphasising conflict during the lift-off. These elements do make for gripping on-screen narrative but it does vastly differ from the actual scenarios.

Why do real ISRO launches feel 'undramatic'?

A successful ISRO mission is intentionally uneventful. Silence during mission control is a sign that systems are performing exactly as calibrated. Celebrations follow only after data confirmation, not at lift-off. This meticulous functioning coupled with discipline has helped ISRO build a global reputation for reliability and cost efficiency, even without cinematic flair.

With PSLV-C62 launching today, safe to say, it did not resemble a movie climax. There was no background score, no emotional monologues, and no sudden miracles. Latest reports have suggested that the mission has failed owing to an anomaly encountered during the end of the PS3 stage.

In conclusion, cinema may dramatize space, but ISRO’s precision is its most compelling narrative.