New Delhi: The PSLV failure investigation panel has become India’s top priority as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) seeks answers to recent launch setbacks. The expert panel setup aims to uncover systemic issues in the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) programme that have triggered two significant mission failures. This move marks a major shift from traditional in-house technical probes toward broader organisational and procedural scrutiny.
Background of PSLV Failure Investigation Panel
Over the past year, India’s PSLV — long considered a dependable workhorse — faced two consecutive mission failures:
- PSLV-C61 (May 18, 2025): Failed third-stage ignition caused the loss of the EOS-09 Earth observation satellite.
- PSLV-C62 (January 12, 2026): Another third-stage malfunction resulted in the loss of 16 satellites, including EOS-N1 and co-passenger payloads.
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These setbacks have raised serious questions about recurring vulnerabilities in the PSLV’s propulsion and assembly systems.
Why an PSLV Failure Investigation Panel Was Formed
Traditionally, ISRO has relied mainly on internal assessments to diagnose mission failures. However, the recent failures prompted authorities to establish a high-level, external expert panel that goes beyond component-level analysis.
The panel includes eminent scientists like:
- K. VijayRaghavan – Former Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India,
- S. Somanath – Former Chairman, ISRO.
This group will examine systemic factors — including organisational procedures, procurement, manufacturing quality, and integration practices — that may have contributed to the recurring failures.
Main Areas of PSLV Failure Investigation Panel
The committee’s mandate includes:
Technical and Organisational Review
- Analysing manufacturing processes and quality checks.
- Evaluating assembly, testing, and integration workflows.
- Reviewing procurement and vendor certification procedures.
Private Sector Integration Impact
As India’s space ecosystem grows — with private companies like Skyroot Aerospace and Agnikul Cosmos participating — the panel will also assess external supply chain risks and the accountability mechanisms governing them.
Governance and Transparency
Unlike past failure reports, which often remained classified, this panel’s findings are expected to improve transparency and could reshape future governance standards at ISRO.
Timeline and Reporting
- The expert panel reports directly to ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan.
- Findings are expected before April 2026.
- A separate technical failure analysis for the C62 mission is also underway.
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