Indian satellite mission fails after technical issue during launch

On Sunday morning, May 18, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) faced a setback when its mission to launch a new Earth observation satellite, designated EOS-09, failed. The launch vehicle, PSLV-C61, took off from the Sriharikota space center, which is located in southern India. During the critical third stage of flight, a technical issue was encountered when there was a fall in the chamber pressure of the motor case, leading to the mission's failure as confirmed by V. Narayanan, the chief of ISRO. This incident underscores the challenges of space exploration and satellite deployment, especially considering that ISRO has been a significant player in space research since the 1960s. The agency has successfully launched numerous satellites for both domestic and international clients and even accomplished a historic feat in 2014 by sending an orbiter to Mars. The failure of the EOS-09 mission is a reminder of the complexities involved in aerospace technology and the need for ongoing refinement and innovation. This failure may have implications not only for India's technological ambitions but also for its reputation in the global space community. With numerous satellites already launched, the Indian space agency has set high benchmarks for itself, and setbacks like this could lead to reassessment and recalibration of future missions. It also reflects the inherent risks that accompany high-stakes launches, which involve substantial investments of resources, research, and time. As ISRO moves forward after this failed launch, it will be essential for the organization to analyze what went wrong and address the technical issues that arose. Learning from this experience could enhance the agency's approach to future missions and help prevent similar failures, allowing ISRO to maintain its position as a leader in the global space domain.