ISRO PSLV-C62 mission Live Updates: ‘Encountered an anomaly’: ISRO’s PSLV-C62 rocket deviates from flight path; detailed analysis initiated

The 44.4-metre-tall Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, designated PSLV-C62, lifted off from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota today at 10:18:30 am IST. The launch marked the 64th flight of the PSLV and the fifth mission of the PSLV-DL variant.

The mission carried a diverse set of technology demonstration payloads from India and overseas, spanning applications such as in-orbit AI processing, store-and-forward communication systems, Internet of Things (IoT) services, radiation measurement and agricultural data collection.

The primary payload, EOS-N1 (Anvesha), was a hyperspectral earth observation satellite designed for advanced surveillance and strategic monitoring.

Among the notable secondary payloads was AayulSAT, developed by Bengaluru-based startup OrbitAID Aerospace. The satellite was India’s first on-orbit refuelling technology demonstrator aimed at testing propellant transfer and satellite servicing capabilities in low Earth orbit, technologies considered critical for extending satellite lifetimes and enabling sustainable space operations.

Another key payload was the KID re-entry capsule, a European technology demonstrator developed in collaboration with a Spanish startup. The capsule was expected to separate from the PSLV’s fourth stage and splash down in the South Pacific Ocean, validating controlled atmospheric re-entry technologies.

The flight also included a mix of CubeSats and small satellites from universities and startups, including CGUSAT from Dhruva Space, along with payloads from international partners, supporting research and commercial applications in communication, IoT and Earth observation.

The 2026 PSLV-C62 mission followed ISRO’s detailed review of the PSLV-C61 failure in May 2025, one of the few setbacks in the launch vehicle’s three-decade operational history. ISRO had constituted a failure analysis committee after the earlier mission and implemented corrective measures before returning PSLV to flight.

Isro's PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission encountered a problem after performing as expected after lifting off from SDSC in Sriharikota until the third stage of the flight, and teams are currently analysing data to identify the cause of the anomaly. The PSLV is a four-stage vehicle — the first stage is a solid motor with two strap-ons, the second stage is liquid, the third stage is solid, and the fourth stage is liquid.

The performance of the vehicle close to the third stage was as expected and as predicted. However, an issue was observed towards the end of the third stage. “Near the end of the third stage, we observed some disturbance in the vehicle, and there was a deviation in its flight path. As a result, the mission could not proceed as expected. We are now analysing the data from all ground stations, and once the analysis is complete, we will come back to you,” Isro chief said while addressing the media after the launch.

The PSLV-C62 anomaly marks the second consecutive setback involving the third stage. In the previous mission, PSLV-C61, launched on May 18, 2025, had failed to place the EOS-09 earth observation satellite into orbit due to a third-stage anomaly.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has said that the PSLV-C62 mission encountered an anomaly towards the end of the third stage of the launch, following which a detailed analysis of the data has been initiated.

Speaking shortly after the launch attempt, Isro chairman V Narayanan said the agency had attempted the PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission as planned. “The PSLV vehicle is a four-stage vehicle with two solid stages and two liquid stages,” he said, outlining the configuration of the launch vehicle.

According to Narayanan, the performance of the rocket was nominal until the later phase of the third stage (PS3). “The performance of the vehicle close to the end of the third stage was as expected. Close to the end of the third stage, we are seeing more disturbance in the vehicle,” he said. He added that a deviation in the vehicle’s flight path was subsequently observed. “We are analysing the data and will come back at the earliest,” the Isro chief said.

PSLV-C62 was carrying the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite, along with 14 co-passenger satellites and a capsule that was planned to be placed into a re-entry trajectory. The mission marked Isro’s first mission of 2026.

Isro chairman V. Narayanan said that more disturbance was observed in the launch vehicle at the end of the PS3 phase, following which a deviation in the flight path was detected. He added that the Isro is analysing the data and will share further details shortly.

The fourth stage (PS4) of PSLV-C62 will burn for more than six minutes.

The third stage of the PSLV-C62 has separated and the fourth stage is ignited and is performing normally.

The third stage (PS3) and fourth stage (PS4) coasting phase will now continue for approximately 494.7 seconds.

The PSLV-C62 mission’s liftoff has been delayed by 1 minute and 30 seconds. The new scheduled launch time is 10:18:30 IST from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. Countdown continues, and all systems are being monitored for a smooth liftoff.

After deployment of EOS-N1 and 14 other satellites, the PS4 stage will be re-started for a de-orbit manoeuvre. The KID re-entry capsule will then be separated from the PS4 stage after the de-orbit burn.

The EOS-N1 satellite along with 14 co-passenger satellites will support applications such as AI processing in orbit, IoT services, store-and-forward communication, and agricultural data collection.

A. Rajarajan, director of Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, has arrived at the mission control complex as countdown activities continue.

ISRO's PSLV-C62 mission highlights growing private sector participation, with Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space contributing seven satellites. The launch of AayulSAT will make India one of the few countries to demonstrate on-orbit satellite refuelling technology, showcasing a major leap in the nation’s advanced space capabilities.

The mission will deploy 18 secondary payloads, including the European Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID) for experimental re-entry, OrbitAID’s AayulSAT to test India’s first on-orbit satellite refuelling, and multiple satellites from Indian startups and universities such as Dhruva Space’s DA-1, Space Kidz India’s SR-2, CGUSAT-1, Lachit-1, Solaras-S4, and DSAT-1.

The primary payload, EOS-N1, code-named Anvesha, is a hyperspectral imaging satellite developed by DRDO. Designed to operate across hundreds of wavelengths, it will strengthen India’s surveillance, national security, border monitoring, and strategic mapping. It will also support agriculture, urban planning, and environmental monitoring.

PSLV-C62 stands 44.4 metres tall with a lift-off mass of 260 tonnes and four stages. It will carry the EOS-N1 satellite as the primary payload along with 18 secondary satellites, including technology demonstrators and experimental missions. Countdown activities are in progress at the launch pad.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the PSLV-C62 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, today at 10.17 am. This mission marks the 64th flight of PSLV and the fifth of the PSLV-DL variant. The launch is a commercial mission undertaken by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and represents the ninth dedicated Earth Observation satellite launch.