ISRO Resets After PSLV Anomaly: GSLV Mission in July, Private Rocket on Track
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for a renewed launch schedule following a failure in January 2026. The space agency's only launch in the first half of the year, the PSLV-C62 mission carrying the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite, failed due to an anomaly in the rocket's third stage. However, officials have resolved the issue and are now planning a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) mission in July, followed by a Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) mission in subsequent months.
Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh confirmed that the anomaly in the PSLV, which had also caused the failure of the PSLV-C61 mission in May 2025, has been addressed. A national-level expert committee submitted its report, identifying the cause of the anomaly, and corrective measures have been implemented.
On the international front, India hosted the BRICS Heads of Space Agencies (HOSA) 2026 meeting in Bengaluru. Representatives from Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates attended. The meeting resulted in an amendment to the BRICS Remote Sensing Satellite Constellation Agreement to include new members, and discussions advanced the terms of reference for a proposed BRICS Space Council.
During Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to France, ISRO and the French space agency CNES signed a letter of intent to collaborate on microgravity research and human space exploration. Additionally, ISRO successfully conducted a hot test of the Semi-Cryogenic Engine Power Head Test Article (PHTA) at a thrust level of 175 tonnes at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri. The test validated engine performance and marked a milestone in the indigenous development of semi-cryogenic engines.
India's private space sector also advanced. Skyroot Aerospace announced that its Vikram-1 rocket, the country's first privately developed orbital-class rocket, will undergo its maiden test flight, named Mission Aagaman, between July 12 and August 4. The launch is subject to final assembly, testing, weather, and range clearance at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
Further opening the space sector to private industry, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) issued an Expression of Interest for the transfer of technology for ISRO's heaviest rocket, the Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3). The initiative aims to enable a suitable private company to handle the end-to-end realisation, operation, and commercialisation of the LVM3. ISRO will provide infrastructural and hand-holding support for 42 months to ensure seamless technology absorption.
