ISRO’s EOS-09 Satellite Launch Failed: A Detailed Analysis of PSLV-C61 Mission

India’s highly anticipated EOS-09 mission, PSLV-C61, ISRO’s EOS-9 Satellite Launch Failed on what was supposed to be another milestone moment for the nation’s space program. On May 15, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed that the Earth Observation Satellite-09 did not achieve its intended orbit due to an anomaly in the fourth stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The failure, though rare for the otherwise highly reliable PSLV series, has sparked intense scrutiny, technical analysis, and debate across the scientific community.

The PSLV-C61 rocket, which carried the EOS-09 satellite along with multiple smaller payloads, was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. While the initial phases of the launch proceeded nominally, the mission ultimately failed when the fourth stage malfunctioned, leading to a deviation from the planned orbital trajectory.

What Was the EOS-09 Mission?

The EOS-09 mission was part of India’s series of Earth observation satellites intended to provide high-resolution imagery for environmental monitoring, agriculture, urban planning, and disaster management. It was designed to enhance India’s capabilities in remote sensing, a domain where ISRO has made significant contributions over the years.

Features of EOS-09:

• Type: Earth Observation Satellite
• Purpose: High-resolution imaging for civilian and strategic applications
• Weight: Approximately 600 kg
• Orbit Type: Sun-synchronous
• Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C61

EOS-09 was expected to bolster India’s remote sensing data infrastructure by replacing older satellites and offering sharper images with improved frequency and coverage. Unfortunately, the satellite did not make it into its operational orbit.

The PSLV-C61 Launch Breakdown

The PSLV-C61 mission marked ISRO’s 60th flight of the PSLV family — a trusted workhorse that has launched satellites for India and international clients alike. Dubbed the most reliable rocket in ISRO’s fleet, the PSLV had a near-flawless record, making this failure particularly shocking.

ISRO’s Official Statement on the EOS-09 Mission Failure

Following the unsuccessful orbital insertion of the EOS-09 satellite aboard PSLV-C61, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) released an official statement addressing the anomaly. The announcement provided crucial insights into the failure while reaffirming ISRO’s commitment to transparency and corrective action.

Read Also: ISRO’s Official Statement on the EOS-09 Mission Failure

What Did ISRO Say About the PSLV-C61 Launch Anomaly?

In its official communication, ISRO confirmed that:

• The PSLV-C61 launch vehicle performed as expected during the initial stages, including liftoff and lower-stage separation.
• The upper stage (PS4) experienced an unexpected performance deviation, leading to the satellite being placed in a sub-optimal orbit.
• Despite the orbital shortfall, partial communication was established with EOS-09, and efforts were underway to assess recoverable functionality.
• A Failure Analysis Committee (FAC) had been constituted to investigate the root cause and recommend corrective measures

Scientific Community Reacts to ISRO’s EOS-09 Mission Failure

The unsuccessful orbital deployment of EOS-09 aboard PSLV-C61 has drawn widespread reactions from scientists, space experts, and academic institutions. While the failure is a setback, the broader scientific community has largely responded with support, constructive criticism, and calls for deeper collaboration to enhance mission reliability

Read Also: EOS-09 Satellite Launch Failed

How Does the PSLV-C61 / EOS-09 Failure Impact India’s Space Program?

The unsuccessful orbital insertion of ISRO’s EOS-09 satellite has raised questions about its short- and long-term consequences for India’s space ambitions. While setbacks are inevitable in space exploration, this incident could influence mission timelines, international collaborations, funding, and technological priorities. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the potential impacts.