By Vasudevan Sridharan | 2026-02-17

Two successive failures of India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) have put the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) in a difficult position, forcing the state-run agency to confront questions about its reliability.

Celebrated for delivering complex missions on modest budgets and with a strong track record, the agency, established in 1969, has seldom faced such scrutiny during its decades-long rise as a trusted launch provider.

The back-to-back setbacks represent not just technical challenges but a reputational test with far-reaching implications, with Indian officials moving quickly to contain concerns, stressing that ISRO’s overall standing remains solid.

"We have 18 launches scheduled this year, of which six are private," Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh said during a February 2 press conference.

"None has withdrawn the request to launch."

"Next year, there will be three major launches of foreign satellites from Japan, France and the USA. None has withdrawn," he added, noting that an independent third-party investigation has been launched into both incidents.

These will attempt to determine the causes of the failures.

Long record of reliability

Historically, PSLV has been regarded as ISRO’s workhorse, responsible for launching a wide range of Earth observation, navigation, interplanetary and commercial satellites.

With a success rate of more than 90% over dozens of missions, it became a preferred option for foreign customers seeking affordable access to space.

That standing was shaken last May when a PSLV mission failed to place its payload into orbit after a problem with the rocket’s third stage -- an outcome officially described as a rare anomaly.

Then another PSLV mission failed during ascent in January, when the vehicle deviated from its intended trajectory before reaching orbit, leading to the loss of the payloads.

That mission carried 16 satellites, including an Indian Earth observation spacecraft and several small satellites from domestic startups and international customers.

Observers say the two consecutive failures are a serious concern, though many stop short of calling them a crisis, given ISRO’s long record of success.

"I have full confidence in the resilience and ability of ISRO," Indian Space Association director general Anil Bhatt told BlueShift.

The association is India's premier industry body for private space and satellite companies, and Bhatt is a highly decorated former Indian army officer.

"In rocket science, where there are very high complexities, such failures have happened with many space-faring nations," Bhatt said.

"If you see the larger picture in the history of ISRO’s performance, these two incidents are not earth-shattering. We see them as a minor blip, and most of the world will also see it that way, I hope."

While launch failures are not uncommon in the global space sector, patterns matter. Two similar outcomes in close succession can influence perceptions of systemic issues, even before formal investigations are complete.

Transparency is key

The failed launches are "major setbacks" for ISRO, said Sakthi Kumar, founder and CEO of OrbitAID, an India-based, privately run aerospace firm.

But the mistakes will be corrected in upcoming launches, he told BlueShift.

"I was in the control room during the January launch," Kumar said. "As the authorities announced it was a third-stage anomaly (PS3). It’s likely a manufacturing issue or control issue."

OrbitAID’s tanker satellite AyuISAT was among the 16 satellites lost in the January launch.

"I don’t think the January failure is similar to the failure of PSLV-C61 [in May 2025]. But that mistake, a manufacturing issue, was rectified. So, there is no pattern in the two failures," Kumar added.

"As an outsider and someone from a private industry, I can confidently say PSLV was a reliable vehicle," he said.

"Ideally, these back-to-back failures should not have happened. This will delay the other scheduled launches by another two years. But this is an unfortunate situation."

Asked about the consequences, Kumar said there will be "100% impact," as clients may now consider launching elsewhere.

But OrbitAID is not reconsidering its collaboration with ISRO, he said.

Reputation a crucial currency

Reputation is a crucial currency in the commercial launch market. Through its commercial arm NewSpace India Limited, ISRO has promoted PSLV as a reliable and cost-effective option for placing small and medium satellites into orbit.

Its global clientele includes governments, universities and private companies, and the recent loss of foreign payloads means the consequences extend beyond India’s borders, potentially influencing future bookings and insurance costs.

The impact is being felt especially within India’s growing private space ecosystem. Several of the satellites lost in the January mission belonged to startups developing experimental technologies or early commercial services.

For young firms operating with limited capital, a launch failure can mean the loss of years of work and significant financial strain.

There are strategic dimensions as well.

One of the lost satellites was intended to strengthen India’s Earth observation capabilities, an area with both civilian and security applications.

Delays in deploying such assets can affect planning in sectors ranging from agriculture and disaster management to national security.

Over the past decades, ISRO has built a reputation for achieving complex missions, including lunar and Mars exploration, with a high overall success rate.

Going forward, the key factor shaping the agency's reputation will be how it communicates its findings and implements corrective measures.