ISRO Launch Pause: NVS-03, GISAT-1A Await Govt Nod Amid PSLV Failure Review
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Security
Why in news
Two strategic satellites, NVS-03 and GISAT-1A, are ready at Sriharikota but launches are on hold pending government clearance, following two PSLV mission failures. The delay has stalled India's launch programme across rocket families, raising concerns about decision-making and transparency.
Background
ISRO's PSLV rocket suffered two failures in recent years: PSLV-C61 on May 18, 2025, and PSLV-C62 on Jan 12, 2026, both due to a 'pressure drop' in the third stage (PS3). The government has not released detailed failure reports, citing confidentiality. The current pause affects all launches, including those on GSLV-Mk2 and LVM-3, which are unrelated to the PSLV third stage.
Key facts
NVS-03 is the next satellite in India's second-generation NavIC navigation constellation.
GISAT-1A (also called EOS-05) is an advanced geo-imaging satellite for near real-time observation of the Indian landmass.
A GSLV-Mk2 rocket at Sriharikota had its propellant filling halted midway due to lack of launch clearance.
PSLV-C61 failed on May 18, 2025, and PSLV-C62 failed on Jan 12, 2026, both due to a 'pressure drop' in the third stage (PS3).
The failure analysis committee identified the cause of the PSLV-C62 anomaly, but findings were not disclosed publicly, per Union minister Jitendra Singh.
No launches have been cleared while the government reviews the situation, affecting all vehicle families.
ISRO insiders question the logic of pausing GSLV and LVM-3 launches, as they do not use the PSLV third stage.
The delay has lowered morale within the Department of Space.
Prelims pointers
- NVS-03: part of NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) second generation.
- GISAT-1A: also known as EOS-05, a geo-imaging satellite.
- PSLV-C61 and PSLV-C62: failed missions in 2025 and 2026.
- GSLV-Mk2: Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II.
- LVM-3: Launch Vehicle Mark-3, another ISRO rocket.
- Sriharikota: ISRO's main spaceport in Andhra Pradesh.
- Department of Space (DoS): government department overseeing ISRO.
- Union minister Jitendra Singh: responsible for space portfolio.
Mains angles
- Discuss the impact of launch pauses on India's space programme and national security.
- Critically examine the transparency and accountability in ISRO's failure analysis and decision-making.
- Analyze the strategic importance of NavIC and GISAT satellites for India's defence and civilian applications.
- Evaluate the role of government clearance in space missions and its effect on ISRO's operational efficiency.