### PSLV-C62 Mission Faces Setback: A Second Consecutive Failure for ISRO The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) faced a significant setback on January 12, 2026, when its PSLV-C62 rocket encountered a critical anomaly during the third stage of its flight. This mission was intended to deploy 16 satellites, including the Earth Observation Satellite EOS-N1, but ultimately failed to achieve its objectives. This incident marks the second consecutive failure for ISRO's PSLV missions, following the PSLV-C61 mission's failure in May 2025, which adds to concerns regarding the reliability of India's space launch capabilities. ### Breakdown of the PSLV-C62 Mission Failure 1. **Launch Overview** - The PSLV-C62 rocket was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 10:18 AM IST on January 12, 2026. - The mission aimed to place 16 satellites into orbit, including a foreign Earth Observation satellite and 15 other payloads [https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/pslvc62-deviates-from-flight-path-after-anomaly-101768273658467.html]. 2. **Anomaly Encountered** - During the third stage of the flight, the rocket experienced a significant anomaly that caused it to deviate from its intended flight path. - ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan confirmed that disturbances were observed at the end of the third stage, leading to the loss of all satellites [https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/karnataka/2026/jan/13/pslvs-third-stage-fails-for-second-time-in-a-row]. 3. **Impact of the Failure** - The failure resulted in the loss of all 16 satellites, which included critical payloads for Earth observation and commercial use. - This incident raises questions about the reliability of the PSLV series, which has historically been regarded as one of ISRO's most dependable launch vehicles [https://www.freepressjournal.in/tech/isros-pslv-c62-rocket-suffers-setback-all-details-about-the-16-satellites-that-vanished-into-space]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Mission Timeline** - Launch Date: January 12, 2026 - Time of Launch: 10:18 AM IST - Number of Satellites: 16 (including EOS-N1) [https://www.livemint.com/science/isro-pslv-c62-launch-today-jan-12-anvesha-satellite-to-kid-capsule-re-entry-earth-what-to-watch-out-for-11768192388965.html]. - **Previous Failures** - The PSLV-C61 mission on May 18, 2025, also failed to achieve its objectives, marking a troubling trend for ISRO's recent launches [https://www.livemint.com/news/india/isros-pslv-c62-mission-falls-short-after-anomaly-during-flight-missed-orbit-what-went-wrong-11768211377247.html]. ### Conclusion: Analyzing the Implications of PSLV-C62's Failure The PSLV-C62 mission's failure is a significant blow to ISRO, particularly as it follows another recent setback. The implications of this incident are profound, as they not only affect the immediate mission objectives but also raise concerns about the future reliability of ISRO's launch capabilities. 1. **Immediate Analysis** - ISRO has initiated a detailed analysis of the flight data to understand the causes of the anomaly and prevent future occurrences [https://www.deccanherald.com/science/space/pslv-c62-mission-encounters-anomaly-during-stage-3-of-launch-isro-3859185]. 2. **Future Missions** - The agency's upcoming missions may face increased scrutiny as stakeholders assess the reliability of the PSLV series [https://www.rediff.com/news/report/isros-pslv-rocket-lifts-off-with-earth-observation-satellite-faces-anomaly/20260112.htm]. 3. **Long-term Impact** - Continued failures could impact ISRO's reputation and its ability to secure international contracts for satellite launches, which are crucial for funding and technological advancement [https://www.kashmirreader.com/2026/01/13/isros-pslv-c62-rocket-encounters-anomaly-deviates-from-flight-path-misses-orbit]. In summary, the PSLV-C62 mission's failure underscores the challenges ISRO faces in maintaining its status as a leader in space technology and satellite deployment.