ISRO's EOS-09 Satellite Launch Faces Technical Setback
ISRO Chief Addresses Launch Issues
On Sunday, V Narayanan, the Chief of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), announced that the launch of the EOS-09 satellite via PSLV-C61 was unsuccessful due to technical difficulties encountered during the third stage of the launch. He shared this update with scientists following the launch attempt on May 18.
Narayanan explained, "We attempted to launch the PSLV-C61 vehicle today. It is a four-stage vehicle, and the first two stages operated as anticipated. However, during the third stage, we observed some issues... Consequently, the mission could not be completed. We are currently analyzing the entire performance and will provide updates as soon as possible."
He further elaborated, "An observation was noted during the third stage, which prevented the mission from being successful. We will conduct a thorough analysis and report back."
ISRO's Official Statement on the Launch
#WATCH | Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh | ISRO Chief V Narayanan says, "Today we attempted a launch of PSLV-C61 vehicle. The vehicle is a 4-stage vehicle. The first two stages performed as expected. During the 3rd stage, we are seeing observation…The mission could not be… pic.twitter.com/By7LZ8g0IZ
— Media Channel (@MediaChannel) May 18, 2025
ISRO also communicated the situation on social media, stating, "Today, we attempted our 101st launch. The PSLV-C61 performed normally until the second stage. However, due to an observation in the third stage, the mission could not be accomplished."
ISRO tweets, "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." pic.twitter.com/AREwHtmyp8
— Media Channel (@MediaChannel) May 18, 2025
Details of the EOS-09 Satellite
The PSLV-C61 was launched from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, carrying the EOS-09 (Earth Observation Satellite-09) into a Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO). This satellite is a repeat of the EOS-04, aimed at providing remote sensing data for operational applications and enhancing observation frequency. This launch marked ISRO's 101st attempt.
The PSLV-C61 flight sequence includes multiple stages, starting with the ignition of the PS1 and PSOM at lift-off, followed by the separation of various rocket components, ultimately leading to the satellite's deployment into orbit. According to ISRO Chief V Narayanan, the issue was identified during the third stage, which utilizes a solid rocket motor to deliver high thrust after the atmospheric phase of the launch.