On May 18, 2025, the Indian Space Research Organisation, also known as ISRO, tried to launch a new satellite into space. The satellite was named EOS-09, and it was meant to help India see the Earth from above. This kind of satellite is very important because it helps gather pictures and data even when there are clouds or it is dark. The rocket that was used for this launch was called PSLV-C61. This rocket had already completed many successful missions in the past. People had high hopes for this launch because the satellite had an important job to do.
The launch took place early in the morning at 5:59 AM Indian Standard Time. The place from where the rocket was launched is called the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This place is located in Sriharikota, a place used by ISRO for almost all rocket launches. Many scientists and engineers had worked hard to prepare the rocket and the satellite. They checked every part many times to make sure everything was working. The rocket was placed carefully on the launch pad, and all the systems were checked before the countdown began. Everything looked good before the launch.
The PSLV-C61 rocket started rising into the sky as planned. In the first few minutes, everything seemed to be working fine. The first and second stages of the rocket completed their job without any problems. These stages help the rocket move upward by giving it strong power. Each stage separates from the rocket after finishing its work. But when the third stage started working, something unexpected happened. The scientists watching the launch saw that the pressure inside the third stage was not right. It dropped quickly, which showed that something was wrong with that part of the rocket.
This drop in pressure was a big problem. The third stage of the rocket helps guide the satellite into the correct orbit. An orbit is a path around the Earth where satellites stay and do their work. Because the pressure dropped, the rocket could not push the satellite into this path. The rocket lost control, and the mission failed. ISRO’s Chairman, V. Narayanan, later spoke to the public. He said that the satellite could not be placed in the orbit, and the mission was not successful. Everyone at ISRO was very sad, as they had worked hard on this project.
The satellite, EOS-09, was a radar imaging satellite. It was also known as RISAT-1B. It had special tools that could take pictures using radar. These pictures would help India in many ways. The satellite could see the Earth even when it was cloudy or dark outside. This made it very useful for farmers, scientists, and people who manage natural disasters. The satellite could look at farms and forests, check water in the soil, and help during floods or earthquakes. It could also help in keeping the country safe by watching certain areas from space. Losing such a satellite was a big setback.
The satellite had a tool called C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar. This radar was very powerful. It could see things on the ground in great detail. Even in bad weather, it could still take clear pictures. The data from this satellite would have been sent to ground stations in India. Scientists would then use the data to learn more about the Earth. This could help with studying the environment and making decisions. The government could use the data for planning and development. The radar could also find hidden objects, damaged areas after disasters, or even small changes in land and buildings.
This mission was a part of ISRO’s bigger plan to launch more Earth-observing satellites. These satellites are helpful in many ways. They watch the Earth and send back useful information. India had been planning to increase the number of such satellites. EOS-09 was one of them. It was important not just for daily use, but also for long-term studies. It was meant to work for many years in space. The data it collected would have helped in making maps, studying the weather, and understanding climate change. It could also be used in keeping track of water and forests.
ISRO had completed many successful missions in the past. They had sent a spacecraft to Mars in 2014. They had also landed a spacecraft near the Moon’s south pole in 2023. These missions made India proud. So, this failure was very disappointing for the people who worked at ISRO and also for the people of India. But space missions are always difficult. Even the best space agencies in the world have failures. Each mission helps scientists learn something new. Even though this mission failed, the experience will help in making future missions better and more successful.
After the failure, ISRO started looking closely at what went wrong. They created a group of experts to study the problem. This group is called the Failure Analysis Committee. Their job is to check every part of the mission. They will study the rocket, the fuel, the pressure system, and all the equipment. They will talk to the engineers and read the reports. They will also look at the data that was collected during the launch. After studying everything, the group will suggest ways to fix the problem. They will also help make sure it does not happen again.
The Chairman of ISRO said that safety and success are always top priorities. He said they will learn from this mission and do better in the future. ISRO has a good history of solving problems and coming back stronger. Scientists and engineers at ISRO are already working on the next missions. They are using the lessons from this failure to improve future rockets and satellites. Many countries around the world support India’s space program. They know that India is doing important work in space science. Everyone is hopeful that ISRO will succeed in its next missions.
Even though this mission failed, it reminded people about how hard it is to work in space. Rockets must travel very fast, and even small problems can cause big failures. Everything must work perfectly for a mission to succeed. The pressure systems, engines, fuel, and computer systems must all be checked again and again. Scientists and engineers work for months or even years before a rocket is ready to fly. But even with the best planning, sometimes things go wrong. This is part of learning. Every failure teaches something new. That knowledge helps to make the next mission a success.
The PSLV rocket has been a very reliable rocket for ISRO. It has completed many missions before this one. It has carried satellites not just for India but also for other countries. Many small and large satellites have been sent to space using the PSLV. It is known for being strong and low-cost. That is why the failure in this mission was such a surprise. Scientists will now look closely at the third stage of the rocket. They will try to find out what caused the pressure to drop. Fixing this problem will help improve the rocket for next time.
India’s space journey started many years ago, and it has grown stronger with time. From sending simple satellites to reaching Mars and the Moon, ISRO has shown great skill. The failure of the EOS-09 launch is only one part of this long journey. It is a reminder that every success comes with challenges. People in India and around the world still trust ISRO. They believe that the next mission will be better. Many new projects are already being planned. Some will go to the Moon, some to Mars, and some will help us learn more about our own planet.
The government of India continues to support ISRO. The space agency receives money to build new rockets, launch new satellites, and create new space technology. The failure of this mission will not stop the progress. Instead, it will push everyone to work harder and smarter. Young scientists and students are also inspired by ISRO. Many of them dream of working there one day. Failures like this one also teach them the value of hard work and patience. Space science is not easy, but it is important. It helps us protect the Earth and plan for the future.
In the coming weeks, the results of the failure study will be shared. People are waiting to know what really happened to the third stage of the rocket. It is important to find out the exact cause. Only then can the problem be fixed. ISRO will also use this time to review its systems and check other rockets. They may make changes to improve safety. The process will take time, but it is necessary. Everyone in the team knows how important their job is. They are working together to make sure the next mission goes as planned and is successful.
This failure is a sad moment, but it is also a moment of learning. Every person who works in space science knows that failure is part of the job. What matters is how we respond. ISRO is known for responding with care, focus, and determination. The people of India stand with ISRO. They know that success will come again. The dream of exploring space is still strong. The next rocket will fly higher and stronger. The lessons from EOS-09 will not be forgotten. They will be used to make sure that future satellites work perfectly and help India shine in space.