The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) experienced an unforeseen setback during its inaugural mission of 2026. ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan announced that the PSLV-C62 mission encountered a terminal anomaly during its third stage, resulting in a loss of contact with the satellite.

From Smooth Lift-off to Silent Skies

The mission commenced successfully with a flawless lift-off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SHAR) in Sriharikota. The 64th flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle was tasked with deploying the 1,485 kg EOS-N1 satellite, code-named Anvesha, alongside 14 additional co-passenger satellites. While the first and second stages of the launch proceeded as planned, complications emerged at the conclusion of the third stage. According to Dr. Narayanan, communication with the vehicle was interrupted at this critical point, preventing the satellites from achieving their designated orbits.

A Major Blow to National Defense

The loss of the Anvesha (EOS-N1) satellite holds particular significance. As the ninth full commercial mission for NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), it was intended to be India’s most sophisticated Earth Observation Satellite to date. Anvesha was designed to enhance India’s space-based surveillance capabilities, providing key assets for national security. Additionally, the mission included a specialized capsule from a Spanish startup and 17 other small satellites from various countries, all of which are now presumed lost.

Technical Breakdown of the Mission

The primary satellite, EOS-N1 (Anvesha), weighed 1,485 kg, and the point of failure occurred at the end of the third stage, resulting in the loss of all 14+ satellites. This mission was particularly noteworthy as it was ISRO's first mission of 2026 and included a critical defense payload.

The atmosphere at Mission Control shifted from optimistic to grave as data screens halted and signal lines flatlined. ISRO scientists are currently engaged in a "Failure Analysis" to ascertain whether the failure resulted from a structural malfunction or a propulsion error within the solid-motor third stage. Dr. Narayanan commented, “The mission was smooth until the third stage. We are currently analyzing the data to understand the exact cause of the communication break.” This setback represents a rare failure for the PSLV program, which has consistently been regarded as one of the most reliable launch vehicles globally.