🚀 The Announcement and Build-Up to PSLV-C62

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), India's national space agency responsible for space research and satellite launches, made headlines in early January 2026 with the announcement of its first launch of the year. On January 9, posts from ISRO's official X account detailed the upcoming PSLV-C62 mission, scheduled for liftoff on January 12 at 10:18:30 IST from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota. This Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) mission, the 64th flight of the PSLV series and the fifth using the PSLV-DL configuration, carried significant expectations as a commercial endeavor led by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm.

Public excitement was palpable, with ISRO opening registrations for launch viewing galleries and providing live coverage links. The mission highlighted ISRO's continued push into hyperspectral imaging technology and international collaborations, positioning India as a key player in affordable space access. However, what began as a promising start to 2026 quickly turned into a rare setback for the agency renowned for its near-perfect track record.

Mission Objectives and Payload Breakdown

The primary payload was EOS-N1, also known as Anvesha, an Earth Observation Satellite designed for hyperspectral imaging. Hyperspectral imaging captures data across hundreds of narrow spectral bands, allowing for detailed analysis of surface materials far beyond traditional multispectral sensors. This technology enables applications in strategic surveillance, agriculture monitoring, mineral mapping, and environmental assessment by identifying unique spectral signatures of vegetation, water bodies, and urban areas.

EOS-N1 was slated for injection into a Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO), a specific low Earth orbit where satellites pass over the same point on Earth at the same local solar time, ideal for consistent imaging conditions. Accompanying it were 15 co-passenger satellites, totaling 16 payloads. These included domestic and international smallsats, with one notable outlier: the KID capsule intended for a controlled re-entry trajectory rather than orbit insertion.

• EOS-N1 Anvesha: 100+ kg class hyperspectral satellite for national strategic and environmental needs.
• 14 co-passengers: Mix of experimental, technology demonstration, and commercial satellites from private entities and foreign partners.
• KID capsule: Re-entry experiment, potentially recovered post-mission.

The PSLV-DL variant, standing 44.4 meters tall with a lift-off mass of 260 tons, features four stages: solid propellant boosters (S1 and S4), liquid-fueled second stage (Vikas engine), and the critical third stage (PS3). This configuration supports precise orbit insertions for multiple payloads, a hallmark of PSLV's versatility since its debut in 1993.

📉 Analyzing the Third-Stage Anomaly

Minutes after liftoff, telemetry indicated normal performance through the initial phases. However, near the end of the PS3 stage burn—responsible for velocity adjustments post-second stage separation—an anomaly occurred. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan later confirmed the issue prevented attainment of the required orbital velocity, causing the payloads to veer off course. Most satellites, including EOS-N1, were lost, marking a significant mission failure.

This was ISRO's first failure to successfully orbit a foreign customer's satellite, raising concerns in the commercial launch market. Reports noted it as part of two back-to-back PSLV setbacks, denting confidence temporarily. Detailed failure analysis is underway, focusing on PS3 thrust termination and strap-on motor performance. Despite the loss of 15 satellites, the KID capsule reportedly followed its re-entry path, offering a silver lining for recovery and data analysis.

Such anomalies underscore the complexities of multi-stage rocketry, where even minor deviations in engine performance or guidance can cascade into mission loss. ISRO's transparent post-mission update on X emphasized initiation of a thorough investigation, aligning with its protocol of learning from rare mishaps.

Photo by Venti Views on Unsplash

ISRO's Impressive Launch Legacy

Founded in 1969, ISRO has evolved from sounding rocket experiments to a global launch provider. By 2026, it boasts 133 spacecraft missions and 104 successful launches. Key milestones include the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) in 2013—the first Asian nation to reach Mars on debut—the Chandrayaan-3 lunar south pole landing in 2023, and Aditya-L1 solar observatory in 2023.

Recent successes like LVM3-M6 deploying BlueBird Block-2 in late 2025 contrast the PSLV-C62 outcome. ISRO's timeline reflects ambition: NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) in July 2025, CMS-03 in November 2025. The agency's low-cost paradigm—PSLV launches under $25 million—has attracted over 300 foreign satellites since 1999.

This table illustrates ISRO's high success rate, with PSLV-C62 as an outlier in a string of achievements.

For more on ISRO's missions, visit the official launch missions page.

Future Missions and Next Launch Prospects

While no specific date for the next satellite launch has been announced as of January 17, 2026, ISRO's roadmap remains robust. Gaganyaan, India's crewed spaceflight program, tops priorities with unmanned test flights preceding human orbital missions targeted for late 2026 or beyond. Other planned endeavors include Chandrayaan-4 for lunar sample return, Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) with JAXA, Venus Orbiter Mission (Shukrayaan), and Mars Lander Mission.

Commercial rideshare opportunities via PSLV or GSLV continue, bolstered by private players like Skyroot Aerospace. Posts on X and ISRO's site hint at rapid recovery, with RESPOND 2025 proposals open until January 31 for research collaborations. The agency's agility—often reusing vehicles post-failure analysis—suggests a rebound launch within months, potentially another PSLV for earth observation or navigation satellites.

Broader Implications for India's Space Sector

The PSLV-C62 failure prompts reflection on ISRO's dual role as developmental and commercial provider. NSIL's ninth dedicated commercial mission underscores revenue generation for reinvestment, but reliability is paramount amid competition from SpaceX Falcon 9 and Rocket Lab. Experts like Ajey Lele note potential customer hesitancy, yet ISRO's 95%+ success rate and cost advantages mitigate long-term impact.

In 2026, India's space economy—valued at $8 billion—eyes $44 billion by 2033, driven by reforms allowing private participation. Setbacks like this foster innovation, as seen post-2017 PSLV failures leading to cryogenic engine advancements. Globally, it highlights rocketry's unforgiving nature, paralleling recent issues with other agencies.

Balanced view: While challenging, this event reinforces ISRO's resilience, with ongoing successes like Axiom-4 astronaut missions involving Indian Gaganyatris.

Explore ISRO's full mission list on Wikipedia.

Photo by Javier Saint Jean on Unsplash

Career Pathways in Space Science and Higher Education

ISRO's activities inspire careers blending academia and space tech. Aspiring professionals pursue degrees in aerospace engineering, astrophysics, or remote sensing from institutions like IITs or IISc. Entry to ISRO Scientist/Engineer roles requires GATE scores, followed by interviews focusing on rocketry, propulsion, and data analysis.

• Academic Roles: Professor jobs in space sciences at universities, teaching satellite tech and orbital mechanics.
• Research Positions: Research assistant jobs analyzing hyperspectral data or mission planning.
• Industry Ties: Collaborations with NSIL for commercial satellite development.

For those eyeing faculty positions, platforms like professor jobs list openings in physics and engineering departments. Postdocs in space research thrive via higher-ed postdoc jobs, often leading to ISRO projects. Remote higher-ed jobs in simulation modeling are rising.

Actionable advice: Build expertise with tools like STK for orbit simulation, publish on arXiv, and network at space symposia. India's growing sector offers adjunct professor jobs and lecturer jobs in emerging space universities.

Wrapping Up: Eyes on ISRO's Recovery and Opportunities

ISRO's PSLV-C62 experience, though a bump, exemplifies the iterative nature of space exploration. As analysis concludes and the next satellite launch announcement looms, India's space prowess endures. For academics and researchers, this era brims with prospects—whether rating experiences with professors via Rate My Professor, hunting higher ed jobs, or advancing careers through higher ed career advice.

Explore university jobs or post openings at recruitment to join the space revolution. Stay tuned for ISRO's rebound, fueling education and innovation alike.