ISRO's PSLV-C62 Mission Fails: Anvesha Satellite and 15 Others Feared Lost After Launch Anomaly

A setback for India's space programme as ISRO's first launch of 2026, the PSLV-C62 mission, has encountered a significant failure. While the liftoff was successful, an anomaly was detected during the third stage (PS3) burn, causing a flight deviation. The mission's primary payload, the 'Anvesha' earth observation satellite developed by the DRDO, is now feared to be lost. In addition to Anvesha, the mission was carrying 15 other satellites from multiple countries, including the UK, Nepal, and Brazil, as well as payloads from Indian start-ups like Dhruva Space and Orbit Aid. This incident raises concerns as it follows the failure of the PSLV-C61 mission in May 2025, which was also lost due to technical issues. A detailed analysis of the PSLV-C62 failure has been initiated by the space agency.