India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C59) experienced a critical upper stage failure on March 14, 2024, resulting in the loss of two Earth observation satellites valued at approximately $45 million. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched a formal investigation into the anomaly that occurred 17 minutes into the mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

What Caused the PSLV-C59 Launch Failure?

Preliminary telemetry data indicates the fourth stage engine shut down prematurely at T+17:23 minutes, preventing the EOS-07 and Bhutanese VariSat-2 satellites from reaching their intended 550 km sun-synchronous orbit. «We observed an unexpected loss of chamber pressure in the PS4 stage,» stated ISRO Chairman S. Somanath during a March 15 press briefing. «The payloads are in a degraded orbit and cannot fulfill their mission objectives.»

How Will This Impact India’s Space Program?

ISRO has grounded all PSLV missions pending investigation results, expected within 60-90 days. This marks the PSLV’s third failure in 61 missions since 1993, maintaining a 95% success rate. The agency had planned eight PSLV launches for 2024, including commercial contracts with international clients. «We’re implementing additional pre-flight validation protocols,» Somanath confirmed, noting that upcoming missions for Singapore and Malaysia face potential delays of 4-6 months while corrective measures are identified and implemented.