On Sunday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched its 101st satellite, EOS-09, aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The launch initially went smoothly, with the rocket lifting off at 9:15 AM IST as planned. However, the mission faced a major setback when the satellite malfunctioned and communication was lost just minutes after separation from the launch vehicle.
EOS-09 was designed as an Earth observation satellite to enhance India’s meteorological capabilities. It was equipped with advanced instruments to measure atmospheric temperature, humidity, and wind profiles—critical data that would help improve weather forecasting, monitor climate change, and support disaster management efforts such as cyclone tracking and flood prediction. This satellite was expected to replace and augment the capabilities of previous meteorological satellites that are nearing the end of their operational lifespan.
The PSLV rocket, known as the workhorse of ISRO’s launch fleet, has earned a reputation for reliability with over 50 successful launches. PSLV-C61 was the latest version, intended to precisely place satellites into sun-synchronous polar orbits. The launch of EOS-09 was highly anticipated as a routine yet important mission in India’s growing space program. The rocket’s initial stages performed flawlessly, carrying the satellite to its intended orbit. But shortly after satellite separation, mission controllers detected anomalies in the telemetry data, indicating the satellite was not functioning correctly. Despite efforts to restore contact and troubleshoot the issues, communication was lost, and ISRO declared the mission unsuccessful.
The exact cause of the failure is still under investigation. ISRO has formed a high-level inquiry committee to analyze all available data from the launch vehicle and satellite systems to identify the root cause. Possible issues could range from power system failure, communication system breakdown, or faults in onboard instruments. Once the investigation is complete, ISRO plans to implement corrective measures to prevent similar failures in future missions.
Impact on India’s Meteorological Capabilities and ISRO’s Future Plans
The failure of EOS-09 represents a significant loss for India’s meteorological and space research community. The satellite was expected to provide enhanced atmospheric data to improve weather forecasting accuracy, which is crucial for agriculture, disaster preparedness, and managing the effects of climate change. India’s economy and millions of livelihoods depend heavily on timely and accurate weather predictions, especially during the monsoon season. With EOS-09 out of commission, meteorologists will have to rely on older satellites and international data sources that may not offer the same level of detail or frequency.
This incident is also a reminder that space exploration, while increasingly routine, remains a complex and risky endeavor. ISRO has built an impressive track record with pioneering missions like the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), Chandrayaan lunar missions, and numerous commercial satellite launches. Still, occasional failures highlight the challenges inherent in designing, launching, and operating sophisticated spacecraft.
ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Ananth Krishnan expressed disappointment but remained optimistic, stating, “Space missions come with risks, and every setback is an opportunity to learn. Our teams are already working to understand what went wrong and ensure that future missions succeed.” ISRO is expected to accelerate plans to develop replacement satellites and maintain India’s position as a leader in space technology.
The organization also emphasized continuing international collaborations for weather data sharing and satellite technology, which remain vital in the interim period. This failure will likely lead to improvements in satellite testing, quality assurance, and mission planning protocols.
Despite the setback, India’s space program continues to inspire confidence worldwide for its cost-effective and innovative approach. The lessons learned from the EOS-09 mission will strengthen ISRO’s future efforts, keeping India on course to expand its space capabilities and contribute to global space science.
In conclusion, the EOS-09 failure is a temporary obstacle in India’s ambitious space journey. With resilience and determination, ISRO is poised to overcome this challenge, ensuring India continues to advance its scientific, meteorological, and technological frontiers in space.
