Setback for ISRO's PSLV-C61 launch, loses EOS-09 satellite minutes after liftoff

Sriharikota/IBNS: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its 101st satellite, EOS-09, on Sunday aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61). However, the mission failed minutes later.
The launch was done with PSLV-C61, carrying an Earth Observation Satellite named EOS-09, which was to be put in a sun-synchronous polar Orbit (SSPO).
However, the EOS-09 mission was not successful.
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."
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.
— ISRO (@isro) May 18, 2025
This is the 63rd flight of the PSLV rocket, and the 27th using the PSLV-XL, completing a total 100 launches before May 18.
"This mission continues the PSLV's record of delivering reliable performance across a wide range of payloads and orbits," read a statement from ISRO.
EOS-09 is an advanced Earth observation satellite equipped with C-band synthetic aperture radar technology, enabling it to capture high-resolution images of the Earth's surface under all weather conditions.
This capability enhances India's surveillance and management systems across multiple sectors.