India’s space program, led by ISRO and its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), faced significant challenges due to consecutive failures of PSLV-C61 in May 2025 and PSLV-C62 in January 2026. These events prompted an intense, high-level review led by National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) from January 22-23, 2026, a directive from the Prime Minister. Doval’s investigation examined technical failures and the possibility of sabotage.
In response, ISRO has committed to a groundbreaking ISRO PSLV third-party review for the next PSLV launch, tentatively scheduled for June 2026. This external appraisal aims to restore confidence, validate corrective actions, and ensure the flawless execution of India’s strategic space ambitions.
NSA Doval’s Urgent VSSC Visit: Probing PSLV Failures
NSA Ajit Doval conducted a covert, high-level review at VSSC on January 22-23, 2026, mandated by the Prime Minister’s Office. His mandate included a comprehensive examination of technical and operational aspects of the mission failures. Doval held extensive discussions with VSSC Director A. Rajarajan and senior scientists, scrutinizing telemetry data, manufacturing records, inspection logs, and internal audit reports for both PSLV-C61 and PSLV-C62.
Crucially, Doval also investigated the potential for sabotage due to the critical national security implications. His subsequent report, confirmed by Union Minister Jitendra Singh, definitively ruled out sabotage. However, it identified specific technical and procedural shortcomings that contributed to the setbacks, emphasizing the need for enhanced internal system integrity and operational excellence.
ISRO’s Workhorse Stumbles: Decoding PSLV-C61 & PSLV-C62 Failures
The PSLV, ISRO’s reliable four-stage launch vehicle, has been crucial for various space missions. The consecutive failures of PSLV-C61 (May 2025) and PSLV-C62 (January 2026) were alarming, with both missions experiencing critical anomalies in the rocket’s third stage, affecting trajectory or payload deployment.
The PSLV’s third stage, powered by a solid-propellant motor, is a vital system susceptible to failures from structural integrity issues, nozzle malfunctions, propellant burn inconsistencies, or separation mechanism problems. The failures had significant economic and strategic repercussions, including satellite losses and damage to ISRO’s commercial launch reputation.
Minister Jitendra Singh: Guiding Through Crisis
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, has played a key public role in addressing the PSLV crisis. He champions the government’s strategy for increased private participation in the space sector, guided by the Indian Space Policy, 2023.
“The path to 2040 requires absolute transparency and the willingness to invite external scrutiny to ensure our systems remain world-class.”
Ambitious national goals include establishing a Bharatiya Space Station by 2035 and achieving an Indian lunar landing by 2040. The government has introduced a liberalized Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy to support these aspirations.
Why the Third-Party Review is Crucial
Independent Verification
Provides an unbiased, fresh perspective free from potential institutional biases.
Stakeholder Trust
Fosters trust among the Indian government and international commercial clients.
Validation of Fixes
Meticulously validates ISRO’s proposed corrective measures.
Flight Certification
Officially certifies the PSLV for its critical return to flight.
A Rigorous Process
Implementing a third-party review for a critical mission like the PSLV involves a complex, multi-faceted process:
- 1 Technical Audit: Scrutinizing blueprints, material specifications, and quality assurance protocols.
- 2 Process Evaluations: Assessing operational procedures from countdown to anomaly detection.
- 3 Expert Panel Synthesis: Aerospace engineers and material scientists provide independent certification.
System Review Portal / VSSC_EXT_AUDIT_2026
$ Initializing ISRO PSLV third-party review…
$ Accessing telemetry logs C61/C62…
$ Running diagnostic algorithms on Stage 3 propulsion…
$ Status: Review in progress. June 2026 window: ACTIVE.
Beyond the Launchpad
The ambitious June 2026 launch target for the next PSLV mission hinges on the swift completion of investigations. This episode highlights ISRO’s evolving maturity and commitment to excellence. As India pursues goals like a Bharatiya Space Station by 2035 and a lunar landing by 2040, enhanced transparency is paramount.
The Road to 2040
Building a legacy of reliability and national pride through independent scrutiny and unwavering excellence.
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