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ISRO Pins NVS-02 Failure on Disengaged Connector Contacts

The finding points to a blocked signal to a pyro valve that stopped the orbit-raising burn.

Overview

  • An ISRO Apex Committee found that at least one contact in a connector disengaged on both primary and redundant paths, preventing the command from reaching the oxidizer-line pyro valve.
  • The satellite was stranded in a transfer orbit of roughly 287 by 37,252 kilometers at about 20.85 degrees inclination, leaving it unable to deliver planned NavIC services.
  • Recommendations to boost pyro-system redundancy were implemented on the CMS-03 (GSAT-7R) mission in November 2025, where the systems performed as intended.
  • ISRO has not disclosed the proximate mechanical or procedural cause of the connector disengagement and has provided limited detail on related PSLV investigations.
  • A national-level expert panel that includes former ISRO chair S. Somanath is reviewing two recent PSLV third-stage anomalies, with a report to the agency expected by April, according to Indian media.