The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) encountered a setback during the launch of its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C61. The rocket failed to deploy the Earth observation satellite on Sunday due to a pressure-related issue in its third stage. ISRO's chairman, V. Narayanan, confirmed that this mission marked the agency's 101st attempt. Although the PSLV lifted off at the scheduled time of 5:59 AM, it was unable to fulfill its mission goals.

Narayanan explained that the PSLV-C61 was intended to carry out the EOS-09 mission from Sriharikota. The PSLV is a four-stage vehicle, and its performance was normal up to the second stage. The third stage motor ignited correctly, but the mission could not be completed during its operation. This stage utilizes a solid motor system. Narayanan noted that there was a drop in chamber pressure within the motor casing, leading to the mission's failure. A thorough review of the performance is underway, and further information will be provided soon.

The PSLV was tasked with deploying the Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-09) as part of its 63rd mission. This satellite is similar to the EOS-04, which was launched in 2022. Equipped with a C-band synthetic aperture radar, EOS-09 is capable of capturing high-resolution images of the Earth's surface under any weather conditions. This satellite plays a crucial role in agricultural and forestry monitoring, disaster management, urban planning, and national security.

According to scientists, sufficient fuel was reserved to deorbit the satellite after its effective mission duration, ensuring a debris-free mission within two years.