Context:
The failure of PSLV-C62 (January 12) due to a third-stage anomaly mirrors the earlier PSLV-C61 failure (May 2025), raising concerns about recurring technical issues, quality assurance protocols, and transparency in ISRO’s failure investigations.
Key Highlights:
- Recurring Technical Anomaly
- PSLV-C62 failure caused by roll rate disturbance in third stage.
- Similar to loss of chamber pressure in third stage during PSLV-C61.
- Suggests possible systemic issue in propulsion or quality control.
- Transparency Concerns
- Failure Analysis Committee (FAC) report of C61 not made public.
- Live telecast of C62 abruptly stopped during anomaly.
- Raises concerns regarding scientific openness.
- Commercial Implications
- PSLV marketed globally via NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
- Repeated failures may:
- Increase insurance premiums.
- Affect global commercial confidence.
- Reduce cost competitiveness.
- Strategic Dimension
- EOS-N1 satellite (built by DRDO) onboard C62.
- Implications for strategic and surveillance capabilities.
- Comparative Reliability
- LVM-3 rocket demonstrated reliability (M6 mission, December 2025).
Relevant Prelims Points:
- PSLV
- Four-stage rocket (solid-liquid-solid-liquid configuration).
- Designed for polar and Sun-synchronous orbits.
- Historically high success rate.
- Failure Analysis Committee (FAC)
- Investigates causes of mission failure.
- Recommends corrective technical measures.
- NSIL
- Commercial arm of ISRO.
- Handles launch contracts and international customers.
- Chamber pressure loss and roll rate disturbances are linked to propulsion instability and structural control mechanisms.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Governance and Transparency
- Public release of FAC reports enhances accountability.
- Transparency builds global trust in scientific institutions.
- Abrupt stoppage of telecast may affect public perception.
- Quality Assurance & Institutional Learning
- Recurrent failures indicate possible gaps in:
- Quality control
- Supply chain checks
- Component validation
- Highlights need for robust mission assurance protocols.
- Economic and Strategic Costs
- Commercial reputation impacts India’s share in the global launch market.
- Insurance reassessment may increase launch costs.
- Strategic satellites lacking insurance impose fiscal risk on government.
- Balancing Commercialization and Scientific Integrity
- Increased commercialization requires higher reliability standards.
- Need to safeguard scientific openness amid strategic sensitivities.
- Way Forward
- Immediate public release of FAC findings.
- Strengthen third-stage propulsion diagnostics.
- Independent peer review of quality protocols.
- Maintain transparency without compromising national security.
UPSC Relevance:
GS 3 – Science & Technology (Space Technology, Commercialization)
GS 2 – Governance (Transparency & Accountability)