Context & Why in News ?
- Indian Space Research Organisation’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) has suffered two consecutive failures:
- PSLV-C61 (May 2025): Pressure drop in PS3.
- PSLV-C62 (Jan 2026): Disruption in roll rate of PS3, deviation from intended orbit.
- First time in PSLV’s 32-year history that back-to-back failures have occurred.
- Raises concerns beyond “bad luck” → systemic and organisational scrutiny.
Relevance
GS III – Science & Technology
- Space technology
- Failure analysis & reliability
PSLV at a Glance
- Four-stage launch vehicle:
- PS1 & PS3: Solid stages
- PS2 & PS4: Liquid stages
- Known for high reliability and cost-effectiveness.
- Backbone of India’s:
- Earth observation
- Navigation (IRNSS)
- Commercial launches (earlier phase)
Failure History Snapshot
- 5 failures / partial failures in ~64 launches.
- Earlier failures were isolated & time-separated (1993, 1997, 2017).
- 2025–26 failures clustered around PS3 → commonality demands scrutiny.
Technical Analysis
Why PS3 Matters ?
- PS3 (third stage):
- Solid motor
- Provides crucial velocity shaping & attitude stability.
- Failures observed:
- Pressure drop (C61)
- Roll-rate instability (C62)
- Indicates possible issues in:
- Motor casing integrity
- Thrust vector alignment
- Sensor-actuator feedback loop
Possible Technical Causes
- Manufacturing variability in solid propellant.
- Ageing supply-chain components.
- Quality assurance gaps in:
- Pressure regulators
- Inertial navigation sensors
- Configuration management challenges due to PSLV variants (CA, XL, DL).
Strategic
- PSLV supports:
- Surveillance
- Weather & disaster management
- Strategic payloads
- Reliability dip → national security sensitivity.
Science & Technology Ecosystem Perspective
- Maturity paradox:
- Highly mature systems risk complacency.
- ISRO increasingly focused on:
- Gaganyaan
- LVM3
- Reusable Launch Vehicle
- Risk of attention dilution for “legacy” systems like PSLV.
Comparative Insight
- NASA / ESA practice:
- Mandatory public post-failure disclosures.
- Independent review boards.
- Transparency improves:
- Learning curve
- Public confidence
- International credibility
Way Forward
- Deep-dive PS3 audit:
- Design, material science, manufacturing chain.
- Public release of FAC findings (non-sensitive parts).
- Digital twin & AI-based anomaly prediction.
- Independent safety oversight board within ISRO.
- Gradual phase-out / redesign of PSLV as small-launch ecosystem matures.
- Strengthen role of private launch vehicles to reduce strategic dependence.
