PSLV-C62 Mission Faces Anomaly During PS3 Stage; Assam’s First Satellite LACHIT-1 Part of Historic Launch

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday confirmed that the PSLV-C62 mission encountered an anomaly during the final phase of the PS3 stage, nearly an hour after liftoff. ISRO, in a post on social media platform X, stated that a detailed analysis has been initiated to assess the situation.

The PSLV-C62 mission encountered an anomaly during end of the PS3 stage. A detailed analysis has been initiated.

— ISRO (@isro) January 12, 2026

The PSLV-C62 launch vehicle lifted off from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota, carrying the EOS-N1 Earth Observation satellite along with 15 co-passenger satellites.

According to mission details, EOS-N1 and 14 co-passenger satellites were planned to be injected into a Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO), while the KID (Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator) capsule was slated for a controlled re-entry trajectory, targeting splashdown in the South Pacific Ocean.

Among the co-passenger satellites, LACHIT-1 holds special significance as the first satellite from Northeast India, developed by students of Assam Don Bosco University. The satellite marks a historic milestone for Assam’s entry into space technology and student-led innovation.

The PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 mission is the 9th dedicated commercial mission undertaken by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). The mission was aimed at launching the EOS-N1 satellite for a customer while providing launch services to domestic and international clients. The launch utilised the PSLV-DL variant, equipped with two solid strap-on motors, and marked the 64th flight of ISRO’s PSLV.

The mission also planned to demonstrate KID, a small-scale re-entry vehicle prototype developed by a Spanish startup, making it the final payload to be deployed before atmospheric re-entry.

Earlier, ahead of the launch, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma extended his best wishes, highlighting the significance of LACHIT-1 for the state. In a post on X, he wrote:

“My best wishes to Assam Don Bosco University on the eve of historic launch of LACHIT-1, Northeast's first satellite aboard ISRO's PSLV-C62. This remarkable feat aligns with our government’s thrust towards popularising science and technology. I am proud of all the 50 students involved in this project and elated that it is named after the legendary Lachit Barphukan.”

ISRO’s PSLV remains the backbone of India’s space programme, having completed 63 successful missions prior to this flight, including landmark projects such as Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), Aditya-L1, and Astrosat. In 2017, PSLV also set a world record by launching 104 satellites in a single mission.

Further updates on the anomaly and mission outcome are awaited as ISRO continues its technical evaluation.

Also Read: From the Brahmaputra to orbit: Northeast India enters space age with LACHIT-1 satellite