Friday World- January 12, 2026
Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh), January 12, 2026: Today was a day of mixed emotions for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). In the morning, the PSLV-C62 rocket successfully lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota for the EOS-N1 (Earth Observation Satellite-N1) mission. However, an unexpected 'glitch' in the final phase affected the entire campaign. ISRO has launched a thorough investigation into the incident and promised to reveal the full truth soon.
ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan addressed the situation in an evening press conference. He stated: "PSLV is an extremely reliable and experienced rocket with four stages — two solid booster stages and two liquid stages. Today's launch proceeded exactly according to plan from the beginning. The performance of the rocket was completely as expected up to the initial parts of the first, second, and third stages."
He further explained: "Towards the end of the third stage, there was a sudden abnormal increase in the roll rate (the rocket's rotation speed around its axis). This caused an unexpected change in the rocket's flight path. As a result, it was not possible to place the fourth stage and the satellite into the correct orbit. We safely terminated the mission, but it was definitely a challenging situation for us."
ISRO posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle: "During the PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission, a disturbance in roll rate was observed towards the end of the third stage. The mission could not proceed further. Analysis of data from all ground stations has begun."
What was special about the EOS-N1 mission?
EOS-N1 was an advanced Indian Earth Observation Satellite. Its main objectives included high-resolution imaging, agricultural monitoring, disaster management, urban planning, and environmental surveillance.
The satellite weighed over 800 kg and was planned to be placed in a 650 km polar Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSPO).
The mission was expected to provide India with real-time high-quality satellite imagery, playing a crucial role in monitoring climate change, floods, droughts, and forest areas. No questions on PSLV's reliability
PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is considered India's most trustworthy rocket. Since 1993, it has completed more than 60 successful missions and regularly launched foreign satellites as well.
PSLV-C62 was the 62nd PSLV mission, giving it special significance.
However, ISRO scientists believe that such minor glitches sometimes occur in major missions, and they learn from them to improve further.
Sajjadali Nayani ✍
Friday World- January 12, 2026
