A launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle on Monday encountered an anomaly shortly after lift-off, prompting the national space agency to initiate a detailed technical review while withholding any immediate declaration on the mission’s outcome. The issue emerged during the rocket’s third stage, according to an official statement, introducing uncertainty over the precise status of the payload and the flight sequence.Dr V Narayanan, chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation, confirmed that telemetry data indicated a deviation during the third-stage burn. Speaking after initial post-launch checks, he said engineers were examining flight parameters and onboard systems to understand the nature and implications of the anomaly. He added that the agency would share a fuller account once the analysis is complete, underscoring that it would be premature to label the mission either successful or unsuccessful at this stage.
The PSLV lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, a coastal launch site that has hosted the bulk of the vehicle’s missions over three decades. Designed as a four-stage rocket with alternating solid and liquid propulsion, the PSLV has been a mainstay of the country’s space programme, placing satellites into low-Earth orbit and sun-synchronous trajectories for domestic and international customers.
Preliminary information suggested that the first two stages of the flight performed within expected parameters before the deviation was observed during the third stage, which uses a solid motor to provide a critical velocity boost. Engineers typically scrutinise guidance data, thrust profiles and structural loads at this point in the ascent, as even minor irregularities can cascade into trajectory errors or incomplete orbital insertion.
The cautious tone adopted by the agency reflects established protocol in spaceflight, where complex systems demand exhaustive verification before conclusions are drawn. Past launch reviews have shown that apparent anomalies can sometimes be traced to sensor issues or benign deviations that do not compromise mission objectives, while in other cases they reveal deeper propulsion or control problems requiring design or process changes.
The PSLV’s long service record includes more than 50 missions, with a success rate that has made it a preferred option for launching Earth observation satellites and small spacecraft. Its reliability has supported commercial launches for foreign clients and enabled high-profile scientific missions, bolstering confidence in the vehicle among global customers. Any uncertainty around its performance therefore attracts close attention from the space sector.
Industry analysts note that the timing of the anomaly comes as the agency is expanding its launch cadence and exploring variants of the PSLV to serve different orbital requirements. Increased mission frequency places additional emphasis on rigorous quality control and post-flight analysis, particularly as supply chains broaden and private firms take on larger roles in manufacturing and integration.
The third stage has historically been one of the most scrutinised components of the rocket, given its role in shaping the final ascent trajectory. A deviation at this stage can affect payload separation timing and orbital accuracy, factors that are critical for satellites with narrow mission tolerances. Engineers will likely replay high-speed telemetry, examine material performance and review manufacturing records as part of the investigation.
Officials familiar with launch operations said the review process typically unfolds in phases, beginning with data reconstruction and moving to subsystem-level assessments. Findings are then evaluated by internal committees before any corrective actions are recommended. Such reviews can take weeks, depending on the complexity of the issue and the availability of corroborating data.