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PSLV-C62 Fails on Third Stage as Spanish KID Capsule Survives, Sends Data

ISRO has begun a detailed review after a repeat PS3 anomaly, prompting scrutiny of PSLV reliability.

Overview

  • ISRO said a disturbance near the end of PSLV-C62’s third stage caused a trajectory deviation, with a detailed analysis now underway.
  • Multiple outlets reported that 15 of the 16 satellites, including DRDO’s EOS-N1 and several commercial demos, were not placed into their intended orbit.
  • Spanish startup Orbital Paradigm said its 25‑kg KID re‑entry capsule separated, powered on, and transmitted about 190 seconds of telemetry before an ocean splashdown.
  • The company reported a far steeper entry than planned (about −20°) and peak loads near 28 g, yielding rare off‑nominal re‑entry data despite curtailed customer transmissions.
  • Back‑to‑back third‑stage issues on PSLV‑C61 and C62 have raised quality‑control concerns, with PSLV flights expected to pause pending the investigation though no formal grounding has been announced.