PSLV-C61/EOS-09

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) said on May 18, 2025 that it could not complete its 101st mission, the PSLV-C61/EOS-09, due to a technical glitch.

Mission Overview:

• Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C61 (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle)
• Satellite: EOS-09 (Earth Observation Satellite)
• Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
• Intended Orbit: Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO)
• Configuration: PSLV-XL
• Mission Number: 101st mission of ISRO, 63rd PSLV flight, 27th PSLV-XL configuration flight

Outcome:

• The mission could not be accomplished due to a technical glitch in the third stage of the PSLV.
• This third stage is a solid rocket motor that provides high thrust after the atmospheric phase.

Historical Context:

• This is the third failure of the PSLV since its inception in 1993.
  • First failure: PSLV-D1 (1993) – IRS-1E satellite not placed in orbit
  • Second failure: 2017 – 41st flight of PSLV
• The last successful PSLV mission was SpaDeX in December 2024.

EOS-09 Mission Objective:

• Designed to support remote sensing applications for various operational users.
• Intended to enhance observation frequency, similar in purpose to the earlier EOS-04 satellite.