India started the year with hopes of another successful space mission as ISRO launched PSLV-C62, the first satellite mission of the year. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is known worldwide for its reliability, which is why this mission attracted a lot of attention. However, the launch did not go entirely as planned and became an important moment of learning for India’s space program.

264.1) When and What Was Launched?

The PSLV-C62 mission was launched on 12 January 2026 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, in the morning hours. This launch carried a total of 16 satellites into space.

Among them, one was the main payload, an Earth observation satellite designed for monitoring and data collection. The remaining 15 were smaller satellites, including those developed by Indian startups, research institutions, and international partners. Since it was the first mission of the year, it was expected to set a positive direction for upcoming ISRO launches.

264.2) What Happened During the Mission?

The rocket lifted off smoothly, and the initial stages performed normally. Everything appeared to be under control during the early part of the flight. However, a technical issue occurred in the later stage of the mission, when precise control is required to place satellites into their correct orbit.

Because of this unexpected problem, the mission could not achieve its planned result. The satellites were not deployed into the intended orbit, which meant the mission objectives could not be fully completed.

264.3) Consequences Faced After the Launch

The immediate result of the issue was the loss of operational use of all 16 satellites carried by PSLV-C62. This led to several consequences:

●       Delay or loss of important satellite data

●       Impact on projects linked to Earth observation and research

●       A temporary setback to ISRO’s launch schedule

●       Extra technical reviews and safety checks for future missions

For Indian startups and institutions whose satellites were onboard, this mission was especially important, making the setback more significant.

264.4) Why Such Setbacks Are Important?

Space missions involve complex technology working under extreme conditions. Even a small fault can affect the final outcome. While PSLV has a strong success record, no space program is completely free from challenges.

What matters most is how such situations are handled. ISRO’s quick acknowledgment of the issue and its focus on investigation show its commitment to transparency and improvement.

264.5) What This Means for ISRO’s Future Missions?

After PSLV-C62, ISRO began a detailed technical analysis to find the exact cause of the problem. The findings from this review will help strengthen future launches. Past experience shows that ISRO often uses setbacks to improve reliability and performance in upcoming missions.

264.6) Conclusion

Although the PSLV-C62 mission launched on 12 January 2026 carrying 16 satellites did not meet expectations, it provided valuable lessons for India’s space journey. As the first launch of the year, it reminded everyone that space exploration is challenging, but learning from difficulties is what drives long-term success. With its experience and determination, ISRO is well-positioned to move forward stronger than before.

-Team Yuva Aaveg

Praveen Kumar Maurya

 🌟 Join Yuva Aaveg! 🌟

A vibrant community dedicated to empowering youth with the latest insights, discussions, and updates on topics that matter. Connect with like-minded individuals, share ideas, and stay inspired to make a difference.

📲 Join us on WhatsApp and Telegram for exclusive updates and engaging conversations!

WhatsApp


 Telegram