Indian Rocket Loses Control Shortly After Liftoff: ISRO Confirms Anomaly
In a significant setback for India’s space program, an Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV‑C62) lost control shortly after liftoff from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on January 12, 2026. The mission, which carried 16 satellites including India’s EOS‑N1 Earth observation satellite and 15 smaller satellites from startups and universities, failed to reach its intended orbit.
1/12/20261 min read
What Happened
Shortly after the ignition of the rocket’s third stage, mission controllers noticed that the vehicle began deviating from its planned trajectory. Stable telemetry was lost, and the mission team confirmed that the rocket was no longer following its intended flight path. ISRO promptly announced that an anomaly occurred during the late phase of the third stage, and a thorough investigation has been launched to determine the root cause.
The Impact
Early reports suggest that all 16 satellites aboard the rocket were likely lost due to the failure to reach orbit. This incident represents a significant challenge for ISRO, which has historically maintained a strong record of reliability with the PSLV family of rockets. The setback also affects private companies and research institutions whose satellites were onboard, highlighting the growing role of commercial and academic stakeholders in India’s space ecosystem.
ISRO’s Response
ISRO confirmed the anomaly in an official statement, noting:
“PSLV‑C62 encountered an unexpected anomaly during the end of the third stage. A detailed analysis is underway to understand the cause of this event.”
The organization reassured the public and stakeholders that the investigation would focus on identifying the technical issues to prevent future failures and maintain India’s track record of successful satellite launches.
Looking Ahead
The PSLV has been a cornerstone of India’s space program, known for reliably launching satellites for both domestic and international clients. While setbacks are rare, they are also part of the process of advancing space technology. ISRO’s engineers are expected to analyze the flight data in detail and implement corrective measures for upcoming missions.
Disclaimer: This update is shared based on publicly available information. VOTG News is not responsible for any decisions made based on this news. The image is AI-generated only for illustration