ISRO PSLV-C62 Mission Fails: 16 Satellites Lost After Launch Anomaly

• ISRO's PSLV-C62 mission failed after launch on January 12, 2026, resulting in the loss of all 16 satellites.
• The mission aimed to deploy DRDO's EOS-N1 (Anvesha) for maritime surveillance and 15 other payloads, including student experiments and Spain's KID Re-entry Demonstrator.
• A technical malfunction occurred in the third stage, halting the rocket's progress approximately eight minutes after launch, similar to the C61 mission's failure.
• This is the second PSLV failure in eight months, impacting its robust image and raising concerns about solid-fuel motor reliability.
• The setback challenges ISRO's ambitious 2026 goals and affects commercial rideshare launches through NSIL, with ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan's team assuring swift improvements.

Why It Matters: ISRO's PSLV-C62 mission failed due to a third-stage anomaly, leading to the loss of 16 satellites.