Sriharikota, May 18, 2025 – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) encountered a setback with its 101st launch attempt today, as the PSLV-C61 mission could not deploy the EOS-09 (RISAT-1B) satellite into its planned Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit. Launched at 5:59 AM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, this was the 63rd flight of the PSLV, utilizing its XL variant.

The EOS-09, a 1,710 kg satellite with C-band synthetic aperture radar, was intended for round-the-clock imaging to aid in national security, agriculture, and flood monitoring. Although the first two stages performed as expected, a third-stage malfunction led to the mission’s failure. ISRO is now analyzing the issue.

The launch, viewed live by millions and attended by several MPs, highlighted ISRO’s focus on eco-friendly space practices, incorporating deorbiting fuel to reduce orbital debris. Due to ongoing India-Pakistan tensions, public access to the site was restricted for security reasons.