After Back-to-Back Rocket Failures, National Security Advisor Doval Rushes to ISRO

National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram on February 3, 2026, following two consecutive failures of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), India’s most trusted rocket. His visit signals the government’s deep concern over the setbacks and the strategic importance of restoring PSLV’s reliability.

Doval’s visit was undertaken on the direct instructions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and aimed at examining whether the back-to-back mission failures had any national security implications, including the possibility of sabotage.

Why the Visit Matters

• Security Oversight: PSLV is vital for launching defense and surveillance satellites. Doval’s presence indicates national security implications.
• Technical Review: He met with VSSC Director A. Rajarajan and senior scientists to assess the failures and discuss corrective actions.
• Global Reputation: PSLV’s reliability underpins India’s commercial launch contracts and international credibility.

Timeline of PSLV Missions: Successes & Failures

Year	Mission	Outcome	Notes
1993	PSLV-D1	Failure	First developmental flight.
1994	PSLV-D2	Success	First successful PSLV launch.
1997	PSLV-C1	Success	IRS-1D satellite.
2017	PSLV-C37	Success	Record 104 satellites launched.
2020–2022	C48–C52	Success	EOS and INS series.
2025	PSLV-C61	Failure	Third-stage anomaly.
2026	PSLV-C62	Failure	Similar third-stage issue.

Success Rate: Over 55 missions with only 4 failures — a reliability rate of ~93%.

Strategic Implications

• Technical Risk: Repeated third-stage anomalies suggest systemic issues.
• Defense Impact: Delays in satellite deployment could affect surveillance and communications.
• Commercial Fallout: International clients may hesitate until reliability is restored.

NSA Doval’s visit is not just symbolic — it’s a signal that PSLV’s recovery is a matter of national priority.

India Opens New Space Chapter with First Private PSLV Launch in 2026

Representative Image 

India’s first privately built PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is scheduled for launch in early 2026, marking a historic milestone in the country’s space sector. The mission, PSLV-N1, will carry the EOS-10 earth observation satellite and represents the first time India’s flagship rocket is being manufactured outside ISRO by private industry partners.

Key highlights of the 2026 launch

• Consortium-led build: Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) are jointly manufacturing the rocket under ISRO’s supervision.
• Mission payload: The debut flight, PSLV-N1, will carry the EOS-10 earth observation satellite, designed for imaging and monitoring applications.
• Timeline shift: Originally planned for early 2025, the launch was delayed due to satellite readiness issues, now rescheduled for early 2026.
• Production scale: HAL and L&T are contracted to build five PSLVs initially, with scope for more depending on ISRO’s commercial pipeline.
• Commercial expansion: This launch is part of India’s broader space-sector reforms (initiated in 2020), which opened rocket manufacturing and satellite services to private players.

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Why this matters

• Privatization milestone: Until now, PSLVs were exclusively built by ISRO. This marks the first time India’s most reliable rocket is fully manufactured by industry, signaling a new era of commercialization.
• Boost to space economy: India’s space economy, valued at USD 8.2 billion in 2025, is projected to grow to USD 44 billion by 2033. Private PSLV production is expected to accelerate this growth.
• Launch cadence: ISRO has scheduled seven launches by March 2026, with multiple PSLV missions expected in the same year.
• Global competitiveness: By involving private industry, India aims to reduce costs, increase launch frequency, and attract international satellite customers.

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Strategic implications

• Industrial capacity: HAL and L&T’s involvement shows India’s aerospace industry is now capable of building complex launch vehicles end-to-end.
• Policy reforms at work: Institutions like IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre) and NSIL (NewSpace India Limited) are enabling private participation and commercialization.
• Future outlook: If successful, private PSLVs could pave the way for commercial GSLV and SSLV production, expanding India’s role in the global launch market.

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In short: India’s first private PSLV launch in 2026 is more than just a rocket flight—it’s the beginning of a new chapter where private industry takes center stage in building and operating India’s most trusted launch vehicle. This could dramatically reshape India’s space economy and global standing in the coming decade.

Timeline of PSLV milestones 1993–2026

Here’s the timeline infographic you asked for — it captures India’s PSLV journey from its very first flight in 1993 to the upcoming private-sector milestone in 2026.

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What the Timeline Shows

• 1993 – PSLV-D1: First flight (partial failure, but crucial learning).
• 1994 – PSLV-D2: First successful flight, proving India’s indigenous launch capability.
• 2008 – PSLV-C11: Chandrayaan-1, India’s first lunar mission.
• 2017 – PSLV-C37: Record-breaking launch of 104 satellites in a single mission.
• 2020 – Space reforms: Private participation formally allowed in India’s space sector.
• 2022 – PSLV-C54: Oceansat-3 launch, strengthening earth observation capabilities.
• 2026 – PSLV-N1: First privately manufactured PSLV, built by HAL & L&T, carrying EOS-10.

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Why It Matters

• This timeline shows how PSLV evolved from a government-built rocket into a commercially manufactured vehicle.
• It symbolizes Invdia’s transition to a public-private space ecosystem.
• The 2026 launch is not just another mission — it’s a structural shift in India’s space economy.
• It opens the door for more private builds of PSLV, GSLV, and beyond. 

India To Become 4th Nation Globally With Space Docking Technology

India could soon join an elite club of nations with space docking technology as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its Space Docking Experiment (SpaDeX) mission, which aims to demonstrate the capability to dock two satellites in orbit. This is a crucial step for India's future space missions, including the planned Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS) and lunar missions.
 

With launch of PSLV-C60 rocket, on Monday, December 30, 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, ISRO has indeed made a significant leap with the successful launch of its SpaDeX mission.

The docking process is expected to take place around January 7, 2025. If successful, India will join an elite group of nations with space docking capabilities, including the United States, Russia, and China. The country could be fourth nation globally to have space docking technology. 

SpaDeX aims to demonstrate the capability to dock two satellites in orbit, a crucial technology for future space missions. Two small satellites, named Chaser and Target, each weighing around 220 kg, were deployed into a 470 km orbit.

The SpaDeX mission objective to demonstrate the technology required for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft (SDX01, the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target) in a low-Earth circular orbit.

This technology is essential for India's plans to build its own space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), and for upcoming lunar missions.

The SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is a significant step towards mastering in-space docking technology.

Docking Process

1. Deployment: Both spacecraft are deployed simultaneously into orbit with a small relative velocity.

2. Far Rendezvous: The distance between the two spacecraft increases to 10-20 km.

3. Propulsion System: The Target spacecraft uses its propulsion system to stabilize the separation.

4. Progressive Approach: The Chaser satellite gradually reduces the distance in steps (5 km, 1.5 km, 500 m, 225 m, 15 m, and finally 3 m).

5. Docking: Once within 3 meters, the docking process Begins.

6. Power Transfer: After docking, electrical power transfer between the two satellites is demonstrated.

7. Undocking: The satellites undock and operate independently for up to two years.

This mission is crucial for India's future space ambitions, including the Gaganyaan manned mission and the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.

Slow-motion liftoff and onboard views! 🚀✨

SpaDeX’s historic mission onboard PSLV-C60 delivers breathtaking visuals, showcasing India’s strides in space exploration. 🌌🛰️

📖 More info: https://t.co/jQEnGi3W2d#SpaDeX #ISRO 🚀
📍 @DrJitendraSingh pic.twitter.com/5eJ6FAiIxI

— ISRO (@isro) December 31, 2024

NASA has been a leader in docking technology since the Gemini program in the 1960s. They continue to use docking technology for the International Space Station (ISS). Roscosmos (Russia) has a long history of expertise in docking technology, dating back to the Soviet era. CNSA (China) or China National Space Administration (CNSA) has successfully demonstrated docking technology with its Shenzhou spacecraft.

ISRO to Deploy Record 24 Scientific Instruments Onboard POEM-4

ISRO is set to revolutionize space technology with its POEM-4 (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-4) mission. This mission, part of the PSLV-C60/SpaDeX launch, will deploy a record 24 scientific instruments into orbit. This is a significant increase from previous missions, with POEM-3 hosting only 8 payloads.

POEM-4 will carry a total of 24 payloads, including 14 from ISRO centers and 10 from non-government entities (NGEs) like academia and startups.

The 24 payloads include a mix of projects from ISRO, academia, and startups. Some of the experiments focus on robotics, such as a walking robotic arm and a debris-capturing robotic manipulator. Others involve advanced sensors, green propulsion systems, and biological experiments to study the impact of spaceflight on organisms.

This mission aims to test and validate technologies for future space missions, including India's space station. It's an exciting step forward for ISRO and the broader space community.

ISRO's official announcement provides more details about the experiments to conducted aboard POEM-4. Here are some highlights:

• Seed Germination: One of the experiments involves growing cowpea seeds in a closed-box environment to study seed germination and plant sustenance in space.
• Debris Capture: A robotic manipulator will demonstrate the capturing of tethered debris, which is crucial for maintaining a clean space environment.
• Green Propulsion: The mission will test green propulsion systems, such as hydrogen peroxide-based thrusters, offering a safer alternative to traditional fuels.
• Space Docking: The mission includes launching two small spacecraft, "Chaser" and "Target," to demonstrate space docking technologies essential for India's future space station.

These experiments aim to validate various technologies and concepts for future space missions, making POEM-4 a significant step forward in space research.

NVIDIA-backed SpaceTech Startup TakeMe2Space To Launch India's 1st AI Lab in Space Aboard PSLV C60

TakeMe2Space (TM2Space), an innovative space technology firm based in Hyderabad, India, is set to launch India's first Al laboratory in space, known as MOI-TD (My Orbital Infrastructure Technology Demonstrator), aboard ISRO'S PSLV C60 rocket in mid-December 2024.

MOI-TD aims to make space data more accessible, real-time, and affordable for researchers, students, and small businesses.

TakeMe2Space is part of NVIDIA Inception, a programme that nurtures startups revolutionising industries with technological advancements. Under NVIDIA Inception, startups gain access to NVIDIA's advanced hardware and software, including GPUs, deep learning frameworks, and AI tools.

The space laboratory, MOI-TD, will demonstrate real-time data processing in orbit, making space research more affordable and accessible. Thus, by processing data directly in space, MOI-TD has the potential to revolutionize industries like telecommunications, agriculture, and environmental monitoring.

MOI-TD enables real-time data processing in orbit, reducing the need for extensive ground-based data transmission and significantly lowering costs associated with space research. The platform supports applications such as environmental monitoring, deforestation tracking, maritime activity observation, and greenhouse gas emission detection.

Interestingly, a web-based console, OrbitLab, will allow users to upload AI models to the satellite platform and customize Earth observation use cases. TakeMe2Space is currently inviting interested ones to apply for waitlist.

The platform has already secured research partners, including a leading Malaysian university and a group of 9th and 10th graders from an Indian school.

MOI-TD

The satellite features flexible solar cells, AI accelerators, advanced radiation shielding, and an onboard computer.

Notably, MOI-TD is the technical demonstration version of the MOI-1 satellite. The MOI-1 satellite is a CubeSat designed and manufactured, Indegenously in India, by TM2Space. The satellite's mission is to allow users to take images of Earth and conduct space experiments.

The mission serves as a technology demonstrator for scalable, cost-effective orbital infrastructure, paving the way for future space-based computing capabilities.

TakeMe2Space (TM2Space) was founded in June 2023 by Ronak Kumar Samantaray and three of his friends. The space technology company is based in Hyderabad, India, and is driven by a vision to democratize space and make it accessible to everyone.

The space technology startup aims to build AI-first compute infrastructure in space. It designs and manufactures satellite hardware and have developed platforms such as OrbitLab and OrbitView to democratise access to space-based experiments and Earth observation.

ISRO Achieves Breakthrough in Rocket Engine Technology

ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) has achieved a significant breakthrough in rocket engine technology. The Indian Space agency has developed a lightweight Carbon-Carbon (C-C) nozzle for rocket engines, which promises to enhance critical parameters and boost payload capacity for launch vehicles.

The development of a lightweight Carbon-Carbon (C-C) nozzle for rocket engines is an innovation by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC). The newly developed nozzle, when used in rockets, enhances certain parameters of the launch vehicle, such as — Thrust levels, Specific impulse, Thrust-to-weight ratios, among others.

Carbon-Carbon (C-C) nozzles offer several advantages over traditional materials when used in rocket engines. C-C nozzles provide a significant weight reduction compared to metallic nozzles. These are approximately 50% lighter than their metallic counterparts. This weight reduction is crucial for optimizing the performance of upper- stage and in-space liquid rocket engines.

Moreover, these C-C nozzles exhibit improved thermal design margins where in these nozzles can withstand temperatures ranging from 500°F to 1500°F. In contrast, traditional metallic nozzles have limitations due to their material properties.

By utilizing advanced materials like Carbon-Carbon (C-C) Composites, this innovation significantly enhances the payload capacity of launch vehicles.

Properties of the C-C Nozzle:

• Low density
• High specific strength
• Excellent stiffness
• Retains mechanical properties even at elevated temperatures.
• Special Coating: The C-C nozzle features a special anti-oxidation coating of Silicon Carbide, extending its operational limits in oxidizing environments.

Significance of this new technology is a breakthrough, particularly beneficial for ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). The current PSLV employs twin engines with nozzles made from Columbium alloy. By replacing these metallic divergent nozzles with C-C counterparts, a mass reduction of approximately 67% can be achieved.

This substitution is projected to increase the payload capability of the PSLV by 15 kg, a notable enhancement for space missions.

A 60-second hot test (video below) was conducted at the High-Altitude Test (HAT) facility in ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri in Odisha on March 19, confirming the system's performance and hardware integrity. This breakthrough holds great promise for India's space exploration endeavors.

Applications

C-C nozzles are particularly beneficial for cryogenic upper stage engines, in-space engines, ascent/descent lander engines, and even nuclear engines.

For example, replacing metallic divergent nozzles with C-C counterparts in the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) can increase payload capability by approximately 15 kg.

In a conclusion, Carbon-Carbon nozzles offer a compelling combination of weight reduction, improved thermal performance, and design flexibility, making them a valuable choice for advanced rocket propulsion systems.

European Startup Inks Deal with ISRO's Commercial Arm for A Prototype Launch

Europe-based The Exploration Company, a manufacturer of space capsule to carry cargo to space, has inked a deal with the New Space India Limited (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm, to launch its mission in January next year.

Founded in 2021, The Exploration Company is based in Munich, Germany and Bordeaux, France. The aerospace startup manufactures and operates the Nyx space capsule for space agencies and space stations as well as both space and non-space companies in other industries.

Interestingly, chosing ISRO for its mission is came after the startup suffered delay in its earlier scheduled launch. The Exploration Company is aiming to conduct an initial demonstration mission using a prototype called Bikini in January 2024. That mission was originally scheduled to fly with France-based Arianespace’s Ariane 6 in the fall of this year, but due to delays with that launch vehicle, the startup eventually decided to move to the ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

The media reports also mentioned that off-late ISRO's successful launch missions for private companies have earned it the trust among the foreign companies as they chose PSLV over Arianespace's Ariane 6 rocket. Arianespace is the world's first commercial space launch service provider.

Besides, the Exploration Company had also signed a preliminary cargo delivery agreement with American private space station aspirant Axiom Space.