ISRO’s 101st rocket launch fails, Earth-observation satellite lost

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Sunday launched its 101st satellite, EOS-09, aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61), but it failed minutes later.

- AGENCY

The 101st launch was done with PSLV-C61, carrying an Earth Observation Satellite, named as EOS-09, that was to be put in a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO). However, the EOS-09 mission could not be accomplished. According to the ISRO Chief, the PSLV 4-stage vehicle, and performance was normal till the second stage.

“We will come back after analysis,” he said.

The space agency, in a post on X, said, “Today 101st launch was attempted, PSLV-C61 performance was normal till 2nd stage. Due to an observation in 3rd stage, the mission could not be accomplished.”

Notably, this launch was also aligned with promoting sustainability and carrying out responsible space operations, as the EOS-09 is equipped with deorbiting fuel for safely disposing it off after the mission.