PSLV Explained: Why ISRO’s Workhorse Rocket Failed? Data-Driven Analysis of ISRO’s Recent Failures, Facts, and the Real Impact

Introduction

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) has been the backbone of India’s satellite launch capability for over three decades. Recent reports of two PSLV mission failures within a relatively short time span have drawn national attention, raising questions about reliability, system maturity, and risks associated with future missions.

This topic is important not only for space enthusiasts but also for students, educators, competitive exam aspirants, and policy observers. Space technology remains a recurring theme in Science & Technology current affairs, especially in exams such as APSC, UPSC, ADRE, and other Assam and national-level recruitment examinations. Students can also refer to MCQ practice sets for APSC & ADRE to strengthen their current affairs preparation.

This article presents a fact-based, analytical explanation of PSLV—its meaning, historical evolution, long-term performance data, reasons why rocket failures occur globally, how recent setbacks fit into ISRO’s reliability record, and what this means for India’s future space programmes.

PSLV Meaning and Full Form

PSLV stands for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. It is developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to place satellites primarily into:

• Polar Orbit
• Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)
• Low Earth Orbit (LEO)

The PSLV programme achieved its first fully successful mission in 1994, after an initial partial failure during its maiden flight (PSLV-D1). Since then, it has become one of the most recognisable launch vehicles in India’s space ecosystem.

A Brief History of PSLV: From Development to Global Recognition

The PSLV programme began in the 1980s, when India sought independent access to space for Earth observation and remote sensing satellites. The maiden PSLV flight in 1993–94 experienced a partial failure, mainly due to attitude control issues. Rather than halting the programme, this early setback led to critical design corrections.

Over the next three decades, PSLV evolved through multiple configurations such as PSLV-CA and PSLV-XL, gradually improving payload capacity, flexibility, and reliability. By the 2000s and 2010s, PSLV gained international recognition for its cost efficiency, precision, and consistency, including landmark missions deploying dozens of satellites in a single launch. This long operational history explains why PSLV is frequently cited in textbooks, competitive exams, and science syllabi as an example of incremental engineering success rather than instant perfection.

Why Is It Called ISRO’s Workhorse Rocket?

The term “workhorse” is supported by operational data rather than symbolism:

1. PSLV is ISRO’s most frequently launched rocket
2. Used for Earth observation, navigation, scientific, and commercial payloads
3. Trusted by foreign governments, universities, research institutions, and private startups

Its consistent deployment across decades has made PSLV the default choice for missions within its payload class.

The Most Recent PSLV Mission: PSLV-C62 and LACHIT‑1 Satellite

The most recent PSLV-C62 mission, launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, successfully carried multiple satellites including LACHIT‑1, developed by students from Don Bosco University. This mission showcased ISRO’s support for student-built satellites alongside commercial and academic payloads.

According to preliminary reports, lift-off and early-stage propulsion proceeded normally. However, an anomaly occurred during later stages, preventing the complete payload deployment. ISRO promptly constituted a failure analysis committee to examine telemetry data, onboard sensor readings, and flight software logs.

What Went Wrong With PSLV-C62? (Non-Speculative Breakdown)

While final ISRO reports are pending, historical and global failure domains include:

1. Stage ignition timing mismatches
2. Sensor feedback inconsistencies
3. Guidance software auto-abort triggers
4. Structural resonance under new payload profiles

ISRO’s response framework includes:

1. Detailed telemetry analysis
2. Independent failure review committees
3. Design or process-level corrections
4. Formal return-to-flight clearance

This mirrors international aerospace best practices.

Key Facts and Performance Metrics of PSLV

• Developer: ISRO
• Operational since: 1994
• Total missions: 60+ (as of mid-2020s)
• Payload capacity:
  • ~1,750 kg to SSO
  • ~3,800 kg to LEO
• Launch site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota

Why Rocket Failures Are Normal in Space Science

Failure is a statistically acknowledged component of system evolution. Agencies with rapid iteration cycles accept higher early failure rates, while organisations like ISRO prioritise incremental validation, resulting in fewer but more scrutinised failures.

PSLV vs Gaganyaan Rockets: Are Future Missions at Risk?

PSLV failures do not technically or statistically impact the Gaganyaan programme because design architectures, safety margins, and certification protocols differ.

Impact on Students, Careers, and Society

• Reinforces analytical thinking in STEM education
• Encourages evidence-based current affairs preparation with daily mock tests and MCQ practice sets
• Demonstrates institutional transparency and scientific process

Important Clarification

All technical conclusions regarding recent PSLV failures remain subject to official investigation reports released by ISRO. Readers should rely on primary government communication for final determinations.

Official Sources & References

• Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) – Official publications
• ISRO Mission Status Reports (2024–2026)
• Reputed national and international science journalism outlets
• Government science and technology documents

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is PSLV mainly used for?
Deploying satellites into polar and low Earth orbits.

2. How reliable is PSLV statistically?
With a success rate above 90%, it is considered reliable by global standards.

3. Are PSLV and Gaganyaan connected?
No. They are independent programmes using different launch vehicles.

4. Do rocket failures affect future missions?
They typically lead to design improvements and stronger validation.

5. Is PSLV still relevant today?
Yes. It continues to serve missions within its payload class efficiently.