PSLV-C61
The PSLV C-61 was the 63rd flight of the Indian Space Research Organisation's Polar Satellite launch Vehicle and its 27th flight in the -XL configuration.The Mission launched on 18th May 2025 carrying EOS-09 (RISAT 1-B).[1][2]
| PSLV-XL launch | |
|---|---|
| Launch | 18 May 2025 ;5:59 AM IST (UTC +5:30) |
| Operator | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) |
| Pad | Satish Dhawan Space Centre First Launch Pad |
| Payload | |
| Outcome | Failure |
| PSLV launches | |
Payload
Earth Observation Satellite-09 (EOS-09), also called RISAT 1-B was planned to be the seventh satellite in ISRO's RISAT series.It is a C-band synthetic aperture radar satellite, enabling it to capture high-resolution images of Earth’s surface regardless of weather conditions, day or night.The satellite features five distinct imaging modes, enabling it to switch between ultra-high-resolution imaging, capable of detecting small objects, and broader scans for large-area observation. The satellite was expected to boost India's space surveillance capabilities and contribute to smarter governance and faster disaster response.It was to be launched into a sun-synchronosis orbit (SSO) amidst tension on the India-Pakistan border.[3][4][1][5]Orbit Change Thrusters (OCT) were planned to be used to reduce the orbit altitude of the spent PS4 stage to reduce its life in orbit following by stage passivation.[2]
Launch Failure
PSLV-C61 launched from SDSC-SHAR at 5:59 AM IST on Sunday 18th May 2025. The First and Second stages performed normally. A failure of the third stage led to mission failure.[6][7] Later reports indicated that a drop in chamber pressure of the third stage during its firing led to failure. ISRO's failure analysis committee is expected to release the final failure report within a month.[8][9]
Mission overview
- Mass:
- Payload weight: 1710 kg[4]
- Overall height: 44.4 m (146 ft)[2]
- Propellant:
- Stage 1 (PS-1) : Composite Solid (Solid Stage)
- Stage 2 (PS-2) : Earth Storable Liquid (Liquid Stage)
- Stage 3 (PS-3): Composite Solid (Solid Stage)
- Stage 4 (PS-4) : Earth Storable Liquid (Liquid Stage)
- Propellant mass:
- Stage 1: 139,000 kg (306,000 lb)
- Stage 2: 41,000 kg (90,000 lb)
- Stage 3: 7,650 kg (16,870 lb)
- Stage 4: 1,600 kg (3,500 lb)
- Altitude: 529 km[4]
- Maximum velocity:
- Inclination: 97.6°[2]
- Azimuth: 140°[2]
- Period: 95.2 minutes
See also
References
- ^ a b "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
- ^ a b c d e https://www.isro.gov.in/media_isro/pdf/PSLVC61/PSLV_C61_EOS_09_Brochure.pdf
- ^ "Isro to launch radar imaging satellite RISAT-1B aboard PSLV-C61 on May 18". India Today. 8 May 2025. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
- ^ a b c Nigam, Saumya; News, India TV (12 May 2025). "ISRO's new satellite launch scheduled for June 18 for Defence and Disaster Monitoring". India TV News. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
{{cite web}}:|last2=has generic name (help) - ^ "MSN". www.msn.com. Retrieved 14 May 2025.
- ^ ISRO Official (17 May 2025). ISRO’s 101st Launch | PSLV-C61 / EOS-09 | 18 May 2025. Retrieved 18 May 2025 – via YouTube.
- ^ "EOS-09 mission unsuccessful, will begin technical analysis, says ISRO chief - The Economic Times". m.economictimes.com. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ^ "NDTV Explains: Why ISRO's EOS-9 Satellite Launch Failed". www.ndtv.com. Retrieved 19 May 2025.
- ^ Jagannathan, Venkatachari. "Consecutive ISRO Mission Failure Raises National Security Concerns". Rediff. Retrieved 19 May 2025.