ISRO PSLV-C61 Mission Fails to Launch EOS-09

19 May 2025

ISRO PSLV-C61 Mission Fails to Launch EOS-09

ISRO’s PSLV-C61 mission failed to place EOS-09 into orbit due to a third-stage malfunction, raising concerns about India’s space readiness.

Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO)

  • SSPO is a near-polar orbit where a satellite passes over the same Earth region at the same local solar time daily. It is typically at altitudes of 600–800 km.
  • Purpose: Ideal for Earth observation, weather monitoring, and remote sensing, ensuring consistent lighting conditions for imaging across different geographic locations.

About ISRO’s PSLV-C61 Mission

  • Launch Details: The PSLV-C61 was the 63rd flight of ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and the 27th in its extended XL configuration.
  • Mission Goal: To launch EOS-09, a remote sensing Earth Observation Satellite, into a Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO).
  • Reason for PSLV-C61 Failure
    • Identified Cause: A drop in chamber pressure in the vehicle’s third-stage solid motor led to the failure.
    • Outcome: The vehicle failed to achieve the required altitude and could not insert EOS-09 into the desired orbit.
    • Precedent: The incident follows the earlier NVS-02 navigation satellite launch failure in January 2025.

About Earth Observation Satellite (EOS)

  • An EOS is a satellite designed to monitor and collect data about the Earth’s surface, atmosphere, and oceans using remote sensing technology.
  • India’s Earth Observation Satellites
    • India operates a series of EOS under ISRO for agriculture, forestry, water resources, urban planning, and disaster management.
    • Notable Indian EOS include Cartosat, Resourcesat, RISAT, and Oceansat.
    • EOS-01, launched in 2020, is used for agriculture, forestry, and disaster monitoring.

Strategic Significance of Satellites

  • Real-Time Surveillance and Reconnaissance
    • Example: EOS-09 was  equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) for all-weather, high-resolution imaging, even during cloud cover or nighttime.
    • Supports tactical military decisions, border monitoring, and battlefield awareness.
  • Navigation and Precision Targeting
    • US – GPS (Global Positioning System): Backbone for missile guidance and troop navigation.
    • Russia – GLONASS: Used in guided munitions and autonomous systems.
    • China – BeiDou: Integral to the PLA’s command and control systems.
    • India – NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation): Designed for regional military positioning and navigation independence.
  • Communication and Coordination: Satellites enable secure, long-range communication for troops and command centres in inaccessible terrain.
  • Disaster Response and Civil-Military Use: Earth observation satellites also aid in disaster relief, resource mapping, and infrastructure monitoring, offering dual-use benefits.

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