India's latest Earth observation satellite mission suffered a setback on Sunday morning. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed that the EOS-09 mission "could not be accomplished" after the PSLV-C61 rocket launched at 5:59am from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
"During the functioning of the third stage, we are seeing an observation and the mission could not be accomplished. After analysis, we shall come back," the ISRO chairman said.
The ISRO also posted on X about the development. "Today 101st launch was attempted, PSLV-C61 performance was normal till 2nd stage. Due to an observation in 3rd stage, the mission could not be accomplished."
The flight sequence of the PSLV-C-61 consists of various stages, starting from Ignition of PS1 and PSOM at the ground, to separation of various sections to finally the separation of the satellite from the rocket.
According to the ISRO chief, the problem was detected at the third stage, which is a solid rocket motor which provides the upper stage with a high thrust after the atmospheric phase the launch. This stage has a maximum thrust of 240 Kilonewtons.
ISRO: Early launch success, but satellite not deployed
The PSLV-C61, carrying the 1696.24 kg EOS-09 satellite, lifted off as scheduled in its 63rd flight — the 27th using the heavy-lift XL configuration. At liftoff, all systems appeared nominal. The four-stage ignition and separation sequence executed smoothly, and the satellite was due to be deployed into a sun-synchronous polar orbit.
But shortly after launch, ISRO reported the failure to complete the mission objective. The satellite, designed for high-resolution radar imaging using synthetic aperture radar (SAR), did not reach its intended orbit.
What is ISRO's EOS-09 and why it matters
EOS-09 is a follow-up mission to EOS-04 and the earlier RISAT-1 satellite. It is designed to deliver consistent remote sensing data, especially for operational users needing real-time imagery.
Former ISRO scientist Manish Purohit explained the satellite’s broader implications. “This launch is strategically timed,” he said.
“It strengthens monitoring at borders and coasts, particularly with respect to sensitive areas. The satellite can detect ingress or suspicious movement deemed vital in anti-terror operations, especially after the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor,” he added.
The satellite uses C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR), enabling it to take high-resolution images under all weather conditions, day or night. This makes it a powerful tool for sectors like agriculture, forestry, disaster management, and defence.
Once deployed, the satellite's data would be available for users across sectors—agriculture, forestry, water resources, and strategic operations. Its imaging frequency is designed to be higher, offering a steadier stream of earth observation data.
The plan was for the EOS-09 satellite to be deployed as Orbit Change Thrusters (OCT) will be used to lower the altitude of the PS4 stage. This will be followed by passivation, a measure aimed at reducing the stage's orbital life and ensuring responsible space operations. EOS-09 is designed to deliver continuous and reliable remote sensing data for use in various operational sectors.
Notably, this launch was also aligned with promoting sustainability and carrying out responsible space operations, as the EOS-09 is equipped with deorbiting fuel for safely disposing it off after the mission.
Meanwhile, ISRO is preparing for another significant mission—NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)—scheduled to launch aboard GSLV-F16. A collaboration with NASA, NISAR will monitor changes in Earth's surface and ecosystems and help track natural disasters, reinforcing India’s growing role in global climate and environmental science.
(With inputs from ANI, PTI)
"During the functioning of the third stage, we are seeing an observation and the mission could not be accomplished. After analysis, we shall come back," the ISRO chairman said.
The ISRO also posted on X about the development. "Today 101st launch was attempted, PSLV-C61 performance was normal till 2nd stage. Due to an observation in 3rd stage, the mission could not be accomplished."
The flight sequence of the PSLV-C-61 consists of various stages, starting from Ignition of PS1 and PSOM at the ground, to separation of various sections to finally the separation of the satellite from the rocket.
According to the ISRO chief, the problem was detected at the third stage, which is a solid rocket motor which provides the upper stage with a high thrust after the atmospheric phase the launch. This stage has a maximum thrust of 240 Kilonewtons.
ISRO: Early launch success, but satellite not deployed
The PSLV-C61, carrying the 1696.24 kg EOS-09 satellite, lifted off as scheduled in its 63rd flight — the 27th using the heavy-lift XL configuration. At liftoff, all systems appeared nominal. The four-stage ignition and separation sequence executed smoothly, and the satellite was due to be deployed into a sun-synchronous polar orbit.
But shortly after launch, ISRO reported the failure to complete the mission objective. The satellite, designed for high-resolution radar imaging using synthetic aperture radar (SAR), did not reach its intended orbit.
What is ISRO's EOS-09 and why it matters
EOS-09 is a follow-up mission to EOS-04 and the earlier RISAT-1 satellite. It is designed to deliver consistent remote sensing data, especially for operational users needing real-time imagery.
Former ISRO scientist Manish Purohit explained the satellite’s broader implications. “This launch is strategically timed,” he said.
“It strengthens monitoring at borders and coasts, particularly with respect to sensitive areas. The satellite can detect ingress or suspicious movement deemed vital in anti-terror operations, especially after the recent Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor,” he added.
The satellite uses C-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR), enabling it to take high-resolution images under all weather conditions, day or night. This makes it a powerful tool for sectors like agriculture, forestry, disaster management, and defence.
Once deployed, the satellite's data would be available for users across sectors—agriculture, forestry, water resources, and strategic operations. Its imaging frequency is designed to be higher, offering a steadier stream of earth observation data.
The plan was for the EOS-09 satellite to be deployed as Orbit Change Thrusters (OCT) will be used to lower the altitude of the PS4 stage. This will be followed by passivation, a measure aimed at reducing the stage's orbital life and ensuring responsible space operations. EOS-09 is designed to deliver continuous and reliable remote sensing data for use in various operational sectors.
Notably, this launch was also aligned with promoting sustainability and carrying out responsible space operations, as the EOS-09 is equipped with deorbiting fuel for safely disposing it off after the mission.
Meanwhile, ISRO is preparing for another significant mission—NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)—scheduled to launch aboard GSLV-F16. A collaboration with NASA, NISAR will monitor changes in Earth's surface and ecosystems and help track natural disasters, reinforcing India’s growing role in global climate and environmental science.
(With inputs from ANI, PTI)
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