🌌 STATE CORRESPONDENTS
EXCLUSIVE SPACE REPORT | January 13, 2026 | Sriharikota Space Centre
DRDO’s Strategic Anvesha Among 16 Satellites Lost Forever
In a stunning blow to India’s space ambitions, ISRO’s trusted PSLV-C62 mission – carrying 16 high-value satellites including DRDO’s cutting-edge Anvesha surveillance platform – ended in catastrophic failure just 8 minutes after a flawless liftoff from Sriharikota. The 44.4-meter rocket, configured with enhanced dual strap-ons, encountered a devastating third-stage anomaly that sent the entire payload plummeting back to Earth, marking the second consecutive PSLV failure in just nine months.
⏱️ Complete Mission Timeline
T+00:00 | Liftoff (10:18 AM IST)
PSLV-C62 thunders off First Launch Pad with picture-perfect initial ascent. Six solid strap-on boosters and PS1 perform flawlessly.
T+02:12 | Stage 1 Separation
PS1 solid motor and boosters separate cleanly at 70km altitude. Vikas liquid engine (PS2) ignites successfully.
T+05:45 | PS3 Ignition Failure
Second stage burnout. PS3 solid motor ignites but immediately shows 40% chamber pressure drop and violent roll rates exceeding 15°/sec.
T+08:12 | Mission Aborted
Automatic flight termination. Vehicle trajectory deviates 12° from corridor. Controllers declare “No Orbit Achieved.”
📡 What India Lost: Complete Payload Breakdown
Anvesha (EOS-N1)
DRDO Primary Payload
₹800+ crore hyperspectral spy satellite with battlefield reconnaissance capabilities. Detects camouflaged targets and chemical signatures.
15 International Satellites
Global Partnership Loss
Nepal (2), Spain (3), Brazil (7), Luxembourg (1), Indian startups (2). Total commercial value exceeds ₹400 crore.
PSLV-C62 Configuration
Technical Specifications
44.4m height, 320 tons liftoff mass, 5th dual strap-on variant, 64th PSLV flight. Launch cost: ₹200-250 crore.
🎤 ISRO Chairman’s Press Statement
ISRO Chairman | January 12, 2026 | Sriharikota
🔬 Engineering Analysis: What Failed
| Parameter | Expected | Actual | Deviation |
|---|---|---|---|
| PS3 Chamber Pressure | 65 bar | 38 bar | -42% |
| Roll Rate Limit | 2°/sec | 15°/sec | 7.5x OVER |
| Trajectory Corridor | ±2° | 12° | 6x OVER |
| PS3 Burn Duration | 92 sec | 47 sec | -49% |
🌐 Strategic & Global Repercussions
Defence Setback
Loss of Anvesha creates critical intelligence gap during border tensions. Army loses real-time hyperspectral battlefield monitoring.
₹1,200 Crore Loss
Combined value of launch vehicle + payloads. International clients demand compensation and reconsider future PSLV bookings.
Private Sector Impact
Skyroot, Agnikul accelerate indigenous launcher development. SpaceX gains competitive edge in small satellite market.
