Watch ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla launch on SpaceX’s Ax-4 mission live on June 10 via NASA+, SpaceX, Axiom Space YouTube, and indian news channels. Coverage starts around 4:55 pm IST as India returns to human spaceflight after 40 years.

Watch ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla launch on SpaceX’s Ax-4 mission live on June 10 via NASA+, SpaceX, Axiom Space YouTube, and indian news channels. Coverage starts around 4:55 pm IST as India returns to human spaceflight after 40 years.

ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla: Where to watch SpaceX Ax-4 mission launch live in India

‘We pray for his safe return’: Shubhanshu Shukla’s parents ahead of Ax-4 launchIndia’s return to human spaceflight after 40 yearsGroup Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is preparing to launch into space as part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission, scheduled for 10 June at 8:22 am ET. In India, it will be 5:52 pm IST. The launch will take place from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket.&nbsp;This mission marks India’s return to human spaceflight after 40 years, since Rakesh Sharma’s journey in 1984. Along with Shukla, astronauts from Poland and Hungary will also join the mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This will be the first time that any of these countries will send a government-backed astronaut to the ISS.&nbsp;According to reports from Axiom Space, the Ax-4 mission reflects growing international cooperation in low-Earth orbit and aims to promote global partnerships in space exploration. Both ISRO and the ISS have acknowledged the mission on their official platforms. SpaceX confirmed that launch day rehearsals have been successfully completed.<h2>Proud parents speak from Lucknow’s Triveni Nagar</h2>As the launch date approaches, emotions are high in Triveni Nagar, Lucknow, where Shukla’s family lives. In a report by ANI, his mother, Asha Shukla, said, “We are proud of him and pray for his safe return.” She added that he has always made the family proud, and they are hopeful for a successful mission.&nbsp;His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, echoed this pride, saying the entire neighbourhood and city are following the mission closely. “The nation is watching. Posters of him are everywhere,” he said. He also recalled a recent proud moment when the family attended a felicitation ceremony with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Thiruvananthapuram.<h2>Neighbours call Shukla a role model</h2>Shukla’s neighbours and community members see him as a local hero. Several locals told ANI that his achievement had brought recognition and honour to their area. Some residents called it the proudest moment for Triveni Nagar, saying it had inspired local children to dream big and aim for careers in science and space.&nbsp;The Ax-4 mission is expected to spend around 14 days aboard the ISS, during which the astronauts will carry out scientific, commercial, and educational activities.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to launch on the Ax-4 mission with SpaceX on June 10, marking India’s return to human spaceflight after 40 years. His family in Lucknow proudly awaits his journey to the ISS.

‘We pray for his safe return’: Shubhanshu Shukla’s parents ahead of Ax-4 launch India’s return to human spaceflight after 40 years Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is preparing to launch into space as part of Axiom Space’s Ax-4 mission, scheduled for 10 June at 8:22 am ET. In India, it will be 5:52 pm IST. The launch will take place from NASA’s Kennedy Space Centre in Florida aboard SpaceX’s Falcon 9 rocket. This mission marks India’s return to human spaceflight after 40 years, since Rakesh Sharma’s journey in 1984. Along with Shukla, astronauts from Poland and Hungary will also join the mission to the International Space Station (ISS). This will be the first time that any of these countries will send a government-backed astronaut to the ISS. According to reports from Axiom Space, the Ax-4 mission reflects growing international cooperation in low-Earth orbit and aims to promote global partnerships in space exploration. Both ISRO and the ISS have acknowledged the mission on their official platforms. SpaceX confirmed that launch day rehearsals have been successfully completed. Proud parents speak from Lucknow’s Triveni Nagar As the launch date approaches, emotions are high in Triveni Nagar, Lucknow, where Shukla’s family lives. In a report by ANI, his mother, Asha Shukla, said, “We are proud of him and pray for his safe return.” She added that he has always made the family proud, and they are hopeful for a successful mission. His father, Shambhu Dayal Shukla, echoed this pride, saying the entire neighbourhood and city are following the mission closely. “The nation is watching. Posters of him are everywhere,” he said. He also recalled a recent proud moment when the family attended a felicitation ceremony with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Thiruvananthapuram. Neighbours call Shukla a role model Shukla’s neighbours and community members see him as a local hero. Several locals told ANI that his achievement had brought recognition and honour to their area. Some residents called it the proudest moment for Triveni Nagar, saying it had inspired local children to dream big and aim for careers in science and space. The Ax-4 mission is expected to spend around 14 days aboard the ISS, during which the astronauts will carry out scientific, commercial, and educational activities.

Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla is set to launch on the Ax-4 mission with SpaceX on June 10, marking India’s return to human spaceflight after 40 years. His family in Lucknow proudly awaits his journey to the ISS.

ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla: Family in Lucknow proud and emotional ahead of June 10 SpaceX Ax-4 launch

An 18-member delegation led by Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) Chairman and Secretary Department of Space Dr V Narayanan is in the US, ahead of Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's spaceflight which is scheduled for liftoff from Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, at 5:52 am Indian time on Tuesday (June 10). The delegation is visiting various facilities of Axiom, the American firm that is facilitating Shukla's spaceflight training and space travel. The four-member crew will be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket which carries the Crew Dragon capsule. &nbsp;"Directors of ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre(LPSC), Human Spaceflight Centre(HSFC), and Human Spaceflight Program Office are among the 18-member delegation," Chairman Dr V Narayanan told WION.&nbsp;&nbsp;Since 2018, ISRO has been working on its own human spaceflight programme Gaganyaan, which will be executed using an Indian rocket and spacecraft. While ISRO is a few years away from executing its own manned space mission, the experience gained from Shukla's flight would prove crucial for ISRO. In simple terms, Shukla's flight can be considered a precursor or stepping stone to Gaganyaan.&nbsp; &nbsp;Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at&nbsp;Axiom&nbsp;Space, will command the&nbsp;Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. This mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. The Ax-4 crew members will represent their nations in Low Earth Orbit and perform scientific experiments and demonstrations that are of high national importance. &nbsp;Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn (Rs 550 crore) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4. &nbsp;In a pre-launch media briefing, Indian Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla said that he is excited about all aspects of the Axiom-4 spaceflight. "As I stand at the threshold of a 14-day mission to the Space Station, I reflect on the path that has brought me here. From diverse systems to advanced platforms across continents and cultures, this training has been intense and deeply rewarding. Behind every minute in space likes months, years of preparation," he remarked. For the fortnight-long mission, I carry with me not just instruments and equipment, but the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts, he added. &nbsp;Shukla will be also carrying a special gift as a tribute to India's first astronaut Rakesh Sharma. "I will be carrying something for him... I haven't revealed it to him. I will hand it over to him personally," he added. Both Shukla and Sharma(now retired) are Indian Air Force test pilots. Interestingly, Shukla was born in the year 1984, when Sharma became the first and only Indian to fly to space.&nbsp; &nbsp;Thanks to Shukla, the crew aboard the International Space Station will get a taste of Indian delicacies. Shukla said that he would be carrying sweets- carrot halwa, moong dal halwa, and mango nectar, for all the International crew members to taste.&nbsp;

Ahead of Indian astronaut's spaceflight, ISRO Chief-led delegation in US

An 18-member delegation led by Indian Space Research Organization(ISRO) Chairman and Secretary Department of Space Dr V Narayanan is in the US, ahead of Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla's spaceflight which is scheduled for liftoff from Kennedy Space Centre, Florida, at 5:52 am Indian time on Tuesday (June 10). The delegation is visiting various facilities of Axiom, the American firm that is facilitating Shukla's spaceflight training and space travel. The four-member crew will be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket which carries the Crew Dragon capsule. "Directors of ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre(LPSC), Human Spaceflight Centre(HSFC), and Human Spaceflight Program Office are among the 18-member delegation," Chairman Dr V Narayanan told WION. Since 2018, ISRO has been working on its own human spaceflight programme Gaganyaan, which will be executed using an Indian rocket and spacecraft. While ISRO is a few years away from executing its own manned space mission, the experience gained from Shukla's flight would prove crucial for ISRO. In simple terms, Shukla's flight can be considered a precursor or stepping stone to Gaganyaan. Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments. The astronauts would be flying on the SpaceX Falcon9 rocket and the Crew Dragon capsule. Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space, will command the Axiom-4 mission, while ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will serve as pilot or second-in-command. The two mission specialists are ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and Tibor Kapu of Hungary. This mission will facilitate the return to human spaceflight for India, Poland, and Hungary, given that each nation’s first and only government-sponsored spaceflight had taken place more than 40 years ago. The Ax-4 crew members will represent their nations in Low Earth Orbit and perform scientific experiments and demonstrations that are of high national importance. Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla will be the first Indian to fly to the International Space Station, and the second Indian to fly to space after Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who flew on a Soviet Mission in 1984. The Indian Government has paid almost $64mn (Rs 550 crore) for Shukla's training and spaceflight as part of Axiom-4. In a pre-launch media briefing, Indian Astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla said that he is excited about all aspects of the Axiom-4 spaceflight. "As I stand at the threshold of a 14-day mission to the Space Station, I reflect on the path that has brought me here. From diverse systems to advanced platforms across continents and cultures, this training has been intense and deeply rewarding. Behind every minute in space likes months, years of preparation," he remarked. For the fortnight-long mission, I carry with me not just instruments and equipment, but the hopes and dreams of a billion hearts, he added. Shukla will be also carrying a special gift as a tribute to India's first astronaut Rakesh Sharma. "I will be carrying something for him... I haven't revealed it to him. I will hand it over to him personally," he added. Both Shukla and Sharma(now retired) are Indian Air Force test pilots. Interestingly, Shukla was born in the year 1984, when Sharma became the first and only Indian to fly to space. Thanks to Shukla, the crew aboard the International Space Station will get a taste of Indian delicacies. Shukla said that he would be carrying sweets- carrot halwa, moong dal halwa, and mango nectar, for all the International crew members to taste.

Axiom-4 will carry a crew of four astronauts to the International Space Station, where they would stay for two weeks and perform 60 experiments.

Ahead of Indian astronaut's spaceflight, ISRO chief-led delegation in US

ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will study microalgae growth in space during the Ax-4 mission. This research may help produce food, oxygen, and fuel for long missions and inspire students through live updates from the International Space Station.

ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will study microalgae growth in space during the Ax-4 mission. This research may help produce food, oxygen, and fuel for long missions and inspire students through live updates from the International Space Station.

ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla: India Astronaut to study how microalgae may help sustain life on the Moon and Mars

ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will study how seeds grow in space during the Ax 4 mission. This research in microgravity helps scientists prepare for growing food on long space trips and inspires students through live updates from the ISS.

ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will study how seeds grow in space during the Ax-4 mission. This research in microgravity helps scientists prepare for growing food on long space trips and inspires students through live updates from the ISS.

ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla: How he will study seed sprouting in microgravity in space

ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla went into pre-launch quarantine with the Ax-4 crew to stay healthy and mission-ready. This step helps prevent illness in space, protects science gear, and ensures the safety of the International Space Station.


ISRO astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla went into pre-launch quarantine with the Ax-4 crew to stay healthy and mission-ready. This step helps prevent illness in space, protects science gear, and ensures the safety of the International Space Station.

ISRO's Shubhanshu Shukla: Why the Ax-4 crew astronauts were quarantined before space mission launch

Axiom 4 mission launches on 10 june 2025 with astronauts from India, us, poland, and Hungary. ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot the craft and conduct Indian experiments. The mission focuses on space healthcare, global science, and student engagement.

Axiom-4 mission launches on 10 june 2025 with astronauts from India, us, poland, and Hungary. ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla will pilot the craft and conduct Indian experiments. The mission focuses on space healthcare, global science, and student engagement.

ISRO's Shubhanshu Shukla: Indian astronaut to conduct to conduct healthcare experiments in space

NASA confirms asteroid 2025 KX8, about 120 feet wide, will pass near Earth on June 4. Though there is no danger, scientists are tracking it closely due to its orbit. ISRO and global space agencies are preparing for future asteroid threats through joint monitoring.

NASA confirms asteroid 2025 KX8, about 120 feet wide, will pass near Earth on June 4. Although there's no danger, scientists are tracking it closely due to its orbit. ISRO and global space agencies are preparing for future asteroid threats through joint monitoring.

How NASA and ISRO are working together to monitor asteroid threats?

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla leads a muscle regeneration study on combating muscle loss in space. This international project may boost treatments for muscle diseases and aging on Earth, marking a major step for Indian science.

Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla leads a muscle regeneration study on combating muscle loss in space. This international project may boost treatments for muscle diseases and ageing on Earth, marking a major step for Indian science.

ISRO's Shubhanshu Shukla: Indian astronaut to explore muscle healing in space

When a rocket launch mission by the Indian Space Agency (ISRO) is in progress, for journalists at the spaceport and those watching the live stream, only one voice matters - that of Ganesan Grahadurai.&nbsp;As the Range Operations Director at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, he monitors multiple parameters during a launch and makes all-important announcements or "callouts" regarding the performance of each rocket stage and the overall progress of the mission. After having served ISRO for over 38 years, Grahadurai is stepping down on 30th May 2025.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">During an <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/isro?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#isro</a> rocket launch, these are the golden words that every scientist, every engineer, every technician, every <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/indian?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#indian</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/space?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#space</a> enthusiast wants to hear...all in the inimitable voice &amp; style of Graha Durai sir, Range Ops Director at India&#39;s spaceport <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chandrayaan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chandrayaan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a> <a href="https://t.co/vMki3PAMJO">pic.twitter.com/vMki3PAMJO</a>&mdash; Sidharth.M.P (@sdhrthmp) <a href="https://twitter.com/sdhrthmp/status/1680431469393747968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

With his iconic voice and unique pronunciation, when Range Operations Director G. Grahadurai announces, "First stage performance normaalll... Second stage performance normaalll... Third stage performance normaalll... Satellite injection conditions are achieved... Satellite injected," it is a sign of relief and joy for the ISRO leadership at the Mission Control Centre, as well as the Indian space enthusiasts watching the live stream. However, these announcements are only a minor part of the Range Operations Director's role.&nbsp;The Range Operations Director is responsible for coordinating between the rocket team, satellite team, and spaceport team, providing technical and logistical support. It involves taking part in supervising the health checks of the rocket, satellite, tracking systems, radars, etc. Finalising the countdown timing for every mission is also a crucial role of the Range Operations Director.&nbsp;About the love and adulation that he receives from the space enthusiast fraternity, Grahadurai says, I have to thank God and my parents for my voice. "As the Range Operations Director, my role is to announce the events clearly to the public. In that process, due to emotional attachment and complete involvement towards every mission, my voice has a unique, soulful feel and tone," he suggests.&nbsp;Grahadurai's voice and announcements have also become quite the viral phenomenon on social media and among the space enthusiast community. Even at home, Grahadurai has admirers who try and mimic him. "Not only my grandchildren, but many friends, relatives and the public have fun by mimicking my announcements and voice," he says laughingly.&nbsp;Hailing from Sivakasi in Tamil Nadu, the city known for firecrackers, Grahadurai's life journey took him to the Indian spaceport in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, where he has contributed to 96 of India's 101 rocket launches, in various functional designations. Since January 2020, in his role as Range Operations Director, he has made announcements for 24 of ISRO's 101 rocket launches, which is a record in itself.An Electronics and Communications Engineer by qualification, Grahadurai's notable work includes developing ISRO's Mission Control Centre, the upcoming Gaganyaan Control Facilities for the Human Spaceflight programme, and Range Operations infrastructure at the upcoming spaceport in Kulasekarapattinam, Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;"Indeed, I will miss the roles and responsibilities of being the Range Operations Director, and the announcements during a launch mission. I am very emotionally attached to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and particularly the Range Operations Director role," he told WION's&nbsp; Sidharth M.P. on his last working day at the spaceport.To his admirers and well-wishers, he says, "In future, the Range Operations Director's desk will get a voice better than mine, which will continue to mesmerise all of us."&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Ganesan Grahadurai, Range Operations Director at ISRO and the iconic voice behind the ISRO launches, retires after serving for 38 years.

When a rocket launch mission by the Indian Space Agency (ISRO) is in progress, for journalists at the spaceport and those watching the live stream, only one voice matters - that of Ganesan Grahadurai. As the Range Operations Director at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, he monitors multiple parameters during a launch and makes all-important announcements or "callouts" regarding the performance of each rocket stage and the overall progress of the mission. After having served ISRO for over 38 years, Grahadurai is stepping down on 30th May 2025.

Ganesan Grahadurai, Range Operations Director at ISRO and the iconic voice behind the ISRO launches, retires after serving for 38 years.

Voice of ISRO launches Ganesan Grahadurai retires after 38 years

According to ISRO’s latest Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR), a record 261 launch attempts were made globally in 2024, out of which 254 were successful. These launches placed at least 2,578 active satellites and 2,963 total objects into our orbit.

According to ISRO’s latest Indian Space Situational Assessment Report (ISSAR), a record 261 launch attempts were made globally in 2024, out of which 254 were successful. These launches placed at least 2,578 active satellites and 2,963 total objects into our orbit.

Over 3,600 pieces of space junk entered Earth’s orbit in 2024: ISRO

ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla will study how microbes and germs behave in space, helping protect astronauts on long missions. His research may reveal new ways to control germs in microgravity and lead to advances in medicine and health both in space and on Earth.

ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla will study how microbes and germs behave in space, helping protect astronauts on long missions. His research may reveal new ways to control germs in microgravity and lead to advances in medicine and health both in space and on Earth.

ISRO’s Shubanshu Shukla: Indian astronaut to study microbes and germs in space

ISRO astronaut Shubanshu Shukla will perform yoga in space, blending ancient Indian wisdom with modern space science. Yoga may boost astronaut health, reduce stress, and inspire global interest in traditional practices for space missions.

ISRO astronaut Shubanshu Shukla will perform yoga in space, blending ancient Indian wisdom with modern space science. Yoga may boost astronaut health, reduce stress, and inspire global interest in traditional practices for space missions.

ISRO's Shubhanshu Shukla: Indian astronaut to perform 'Yoga Asanas' on the International Space Station

ISRO’s astronaut Shubanshu Shukla  is on eco-friendly experiments in space, focusing on growing plants, recycling water, and using clean energy. His mission aims to make space travel sustainable and could offer innovative solutions to Earth’s food and energy challenges.

ISRO’s astronaut Shubanshu Shukla&nbsp; is on eco-friendly experiments in space, focusing on growing plants, recycling water, and using clean energy. His mission aims to make space travel sustainable and could offer innovative solutions to Earth’s food and energy challenges.

ISRO’s Shubanshu Shukla: How his space farming experiments may shape life beyond Earth

Since its first crewed launch in 2020, Crew Dragon has consistently completed missions for NASA and private partners without major setbacks. Its successful history includes transporting astronauts from the US, Europe and other nations, establishing it as a dependable option.

Since its first crewed launch in 2020, Crew Dragon has consistently completed missions for NASA and private partners without major setbacks. Its successful history includes transporting astronauts from the US, Europe and other nations, establishing it as a dependable option.

ISRO's Subhanshu Shukla: Why Axiom Space chose SpaceX's Crew Dragon space over Boeing's Starliner

Shubhanshu Shukla is set to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) on board SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. This state-of-the-art spacecraft is known for its safety, comfort, and cutting-edge technology.


Shubhanshu Shukla is set to travel to the International Space Station (ISS) on board SpaceX’s Crew Dragon. This state-of-the-art spacecraft is known for its safety, comfort, and cutting-edge technology.

ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla: 7 reasons why Crew Dragon is the safest ride for his space mission

The first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) on a private mission. From 400 kilometres above, he will witness sights few on Earth can imagine.


The first Indian to visit the International Space Station (ISS) on a private mission. From 400 kilometres above, he will witness sights few on Earth can imagine.

ISRO’s Shubhanshu Shukla: 16 sunrises and sunsets! What will he see from space?

The rare and unusual mid-flight failure of India's PSLV-C61 rocket on May 18th, 2025, and the subsequent loss of the strategic EOS-09 satellite is a serious setback for India. However, the latest loss of a national security-related satellite is one among many in recent years. Between 2021-25, this author has reported in detail about three failures of India's strategic space missions. Prior to that, there was a PSLV mission failure in 2017. Unfortunately, all four satellites lost/affected in these missions were critical for India's national security and strategic needs. &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;As per publicly available information, each mission failure over the last eight years was caused by a different component/system. This re-emphasizes that rocketry is a&nbsp; zero-error business, where even the smallest of errors or defects can lead to catastrophic failures and immense losses. While such losses offer valuable lessons for future missions, it is also important to note that these failures are &nbsp;denying and delaying deployment of several important space-based capabilities developed by Indian scientists.&nbsp;Going by rocket and satellite cost estimates, four mission failures in the last eight years would have cost the Indian Government at least Rs.1250crores(approx $146mn). Further, the Government would have to spend the same amount of money once again to redo these missions. Also, one must factor in the cost of the lost opportunities. Because, in the absence of these homegrown strategic satellites, India would have to purchase satellite-based services from foreign firms. Having to commit resources to redo failed missions would also considerably slowdown India's planned rocket launch missions, and the overall timeline of executing space launches.&nbsp;Going by launch statistics from recent years, the Indian space agency has done 41 rocket launch missions between 2017 and May 2025. Of these, four have ended up as failures and all four happen to be national security and strategic missions. Here's an analysis of ISRO's troubles with recent strategic space missions, the timing of those failures, and the strategic impact of the same.&nbsp;August 2017, PSLV-C39/IRNSS-1H&nbsp;&nbsp;Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System(IRNSS), later known as Navigation with Indian Constellation(NAVIC) is a Position, Navigation, Timing service meant to be used by the various ministries of the Indian Government and the Armed Forces. Simply put, NAVIC is comparable to an Indian-made equivalent of Global Positioning System.&nbsp;Unlike the American GPS/Russian GLONASS/Chinese Beidou which works worldwide, NAVIC works only within the Indian landmass and 1,500kms from India's borders. Therefore, it is a regional system covering India's immediate neighbourhood. Notably, NAVIC was approved following the 1999 Kargil war between India and Pakistan, when US denied/degraded GPS services that would support Indian military operations.&nbsp;During the late-night launch of PSLV-C39, all flight events took place exactly as planned, except heat shield separation. This resulted in satellite separation occurring within the heat shield. The satellite remained inside the heat shield resulting in the unsuccessful mission.&nbsp;In April 2018, ISRO launched the PSLV-C41 rocket carrying the IRNSS-1I satellite, which was meant to serve as a replacement for the lost satellite and complete the NAVIC constellation.&nbsp;August 2021, GSLV-F10/EOS-03&nbsp;Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, ISRO had launched a &nbsp;sophisticated earth-imaging satellite known as GISAT-1, aboard the GSLV-F10 rocket. GISAT-1 or EOS-3 was an agile earth observation satellite, which can use different types of imaging technologies to provide a constant monitoring of a region of interest/calamity/weather pattern.&nbsp;GISAT-1 was meant to provide almost real-time imaging of large regions of interest at frequent intervals, quick monitoring of natural disasters, episodic events, and also obtain spectral signatures for agriculture, forestry, mineralogy, disaster warning, cloud properties, snow &amp; glaciers, and oceanography.&nbsp;Unlike Low Earth orbit satellites(placed at approx 600kms altitude) that re-visit the same spot approximately once a week, GISAT-1 was meant to stay perched 36,000kms above the Indian subcontinent and help maintain a constant vigil of a large area. This mission was ready for launch in early-2020, but delayed for "technical reasons". Finally, the rocket lifted off on August 12th 2021, but the mission ran into trouble after a malfunction in the Cryogenic upper stage that was meant to place the satellite into orbit. ISRO later revealed that a valve leak in the liquid hydrogen tank led to the failure.Though not directly related, this earth-imaging satellite was being launched at a time when India was dealing with China's aggressive military posturing along the Line of Actual Control. Till May 2025, ISRO has not launched a replacement for the lost GISAT-1 satellite. It is likely to be launched before March 2026, it is learnt.&nbsp;January 2025, GSLV-F15/NVS-02&nbsp;With the first-generation of NAVIC satellites nearing their end-of-life, ISRO began replacing it with a heavier series of five satellites known as NVS. NVS-01, the maiden satellite in this series was launched successfully in May 2023. The next one, NVS-02 was launched in January 2025, in what was the 100th rocket launch from the Indian spaceport in Sriharikota.&nbsp;While the GSLV rocket accomplished its task of placing the NVS-02 satellite in the initial orbit, the satellite encountered an anomaly, which prevented it from firing its on-board engines and moving to the final orbit. Satellites are moved from one orbit to another by firing their liquid-fuelled engines that burn a fuel and oxidizer combination. In this case, it has not been possible to fire the engine and raise the satellite's orbit, due to an issue with the valve that releases the oxidizer.&nbsp;The satellite was launched into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), which is usually used as an initial parking orbit for heavy satellites. Approximately, the satellite was launched into an orbit that is highly elliptical- 170kms above Earth at its nearest approach (perigee) and 36,500kms at its farthest approach from Earth (apogee). Typically, a series of engine firings are performed to place the satellite into a circular orbit, where it is evenly 35,700 km above Earth. However, NVS-02 remained stuck in GTO.ISRO had stated that the satellite systems are healthy, elaborating that it is generating power from its solar panels and communicating with the stations on Earth. "Alternate mission strategies for utilising the satellite for navigation in an elliptical orbit is being worked out," it was added. However, the satellite's long-term survival and its core purpose being accomplished is highly uncertain. ISRO has also not provided further updates about this satellite. Going forward, ISRO is expected to launch an NVS-series satellite every year. Therefore, it would be at least four years before the five-satellite NVS-series is fully operational.&nbsp;May 2025, PSLV-C61/EOS-09&nbsp;On Sunday, 18th May, barely six minutes after liftoff, ISRO's &nbsp;PSLV-C61 rocket faced trouble mid-flight. "Up to the second stage performance was normal. Third stage ignited, but we made an observation regarding its functioning. Mission could not be accomplished. We are studying the data," said ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan regarding the status of the four-stage PSLV rocket that was supposed to perform an 18-minutes-long mission.&nbsp;EOS-09 is a radar imaging satellite(earlier known as RISAT) that is capable of day and night imaging. It can see through clouds, deliver images under all weather conditions. This 1,700kg satellite was meant to have an operational life of at least five years.&nbsp;Over a dozen Indian Parliamentarians, who are part of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Science and Technology were at the spaceport in Sriharikota to witness ISRO's 101st rocket launch mission. Notably, the PSLV is ISRO's most-flown rocket and has a great track record of launching over two hundred satellites belonging to India and foreign customers. In its 63 flights so far, PSLV has had only four major setbacks - three failures and one partial success.&nbsp;Addressing journalists at the spaceport, the ISRO Chief elaborated on the observations. "The third stage of the PSLV uses a solid-fuel motor system. There was a fall in the chamber pressure in the motor case. We are studying the entire performance," Dr. Narayanan said.&nbsp;The failed launch of this strategic satellite comes a week after Nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan have announced a ceasefire, following three days of a rapidly escalating war-like situation. However, it must be emphasized that the space launch mission taking place at this time is a mere coincidence. The PSLV rocket takes a little over a month to assemble, and it takes well over a year to build a satellite like EOS-09.&nbsp;It would take more than a year or two for ISRO to build and launch a replacement for the EOS-09 satellite.&nbsp;

The rare and unusual mid-flight failure of India's PSLV-C61 rocket on May 18th, 2025, and the subsequent loss of the strategic EOS-09 satellite is a serious setback for India. 

The rare and unusual mid-flight failure of India's PSLV-C61 rocket on May 18th, 2025, and the subsequent loss of the strategic EOS-09 satellite is a serious setback for India. However, the latest loss of a national security-related satellite is one among many in recent years. Between 2021-25, this author has reported in detail about three failures of India's strategic space missions. Prior to that, there was a PSLV mission failure in 2017. Unfortunately, all four satellites lost/affected in these missions were critical for India's national security and strategic needs. As per publicly available information, each mission failure over the last eight years was caused by a different component/system. This re-emphasizes that rocketry is a zero-error business, where even the smallest of errors or defects can lead to catastrophic failures and immense losses. While such losses offer valuable lessons for future missions, it is also important to note that these failures are denying and delaying deployment of several important space-based capabilities developed by Indian scientists. Going by rocket and satellite cost estimates, four mission failures in the last eight years would have cost the Indian Government at least Rs.1250crores(approx $146mn). Further, the Government would have to spend the same amount of money once again to redo these missions. Also, one must factor in the cost of the lost opportunities. Because, in the absence of these homegrown strategic satellites, India would have to purchase satellite-based services from foreign firms. Having to commit resources to redo failed missions would also considerably slowdown India's planned rocket launch missions, and the overall timeline of executing space launches. Going by launch statistics from recent years, the Indian space agency has done 41 rocket launch missions between 2017 and May 2025. Of these, four have ended up as failures and all four happen to be national security and strategic missions. Here's an analysis of ISRO's troubles with recent strategic space missions, the timing of those failures, and the strategic impact of the same. August 2017, PSLV-C39/IRNSS-1H Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System(IRNSS), later known as Navigation with Indian Constellation(NAVIC) is a Position, Navigation, Timing service meant to be used by the various ministries of the Indian Government and the Armed Forces. Simply put, NAVIC is comparable to an Indian-made equivalent of Global Positioning System. Unlike the American GPS/Russian GLONASS/Chinese Beidou which works worldwide, NAVIC works only within the Indian landmass and 1,500kms from India's borders. Therefore, it is a regional system covering India's immediate neighbourhood. Notably, NAVIC was approved following the 1999 Kargil war between India and Pakistan, when US denied/degraded GPS services that would support Indian military operations. During the late-night launch of PSLV-C39, all flight events took place exactly as planned, except heat shield separation. This resulted in satellite separation occurring within the heat shield. The satellite remained inside the heat shield resulting in the unsuccessful mission. In April 2018, ISRO launched the PSLV-C41 rocket carrying the IRNSS-1I satellite, which was meant to serve as a replacement for the lost satellite and complete the NAVIC constellation. August 2021, GSLV-F10/EOS-03 Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, ISRO had launched a sophisticated earth-imaging satellite known as GISAT-1, aboard the GSLV-F10 rocket. GISAT-1 or EOS-3 was an agile earth observation satellite, which can use different types of imaging technologies to provide a constant monitoring of a region of interest/calamity/weather pattern. GISAT-1 was meant to provide almost real-time imaging of large regions of interest at frequent intervals, quick monitoring of natural disasters, episodic events, and also obtain spectral signatures for agriculture, forestry, mineralogy, disaster warning, cloud properties, snow & glaciers, and oceanography. Unlike Low Earth orbit satellites(placed at approx 600kms altitude) that re-visit the same spot approximately once a week, GISAT-1 was meant to stay perched 36,000kms above the Indian subcontinent and help maintain a constant vigil of a large area. This mission was ready for launch in early-2020, but delayed for "technical reasons". Finally, the rocket lifted off on August 12th 2021, but the mission ran into trouble after a malfunction in the Cryogenic upper stage that was meant to place the satellite into orbit. ISRO later revealed that a valve leak in the liquid hydrogen tank led to the failure. Though not directly related, this earth-imaging satellite was being launched at a time when India was dealing with China's aggressive military posturing along the Line of Actual Control. Till May 2025, ISRO has not launched a replacement for the lost GISAT-1 satellite. It is likely to be launched before March 2026, it is learnt. January 2025, GSLV-F15/NVS-02 With the first-generation of NAVIC satellites nearing their end-of-life, ISRO began replacing it with a heavier series of five satellites known as NVS. NVS-01, the maiden satellite in this series was launched successfully in May 2023. The next one, NVS-02 was launched in January 2025, in what was the 100th rocket launch from the Indian spaceport in Sriharikota. While the GSLV rocket accomplished its task of placing the NVS-02 satellite in the initial orbit, the satellite encountered an anomaly, which prevented it from firing its on-board engines and moving to the final orbit. Satellites are moved from one orbit to another by firing their liquid-fuelled engines that burn a fuel and oxidizer combination. In this case, it has not been possible to fire the engine and raise the satellite's orbit, due to an issue with the valve that releases the oxidizer. The satellite was launched into a Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), which is usually used as an initial parking orbit for heavy satellites. Approximately, the satellite was launched into an orbit that is highly elliptical- 170kms above Earth at its nearest approach (perigee) and 36,500kms at its farthest approach from Earth (apogee). Typically, a series of engine firings are performed to place the satellite into a circular orbit, where it is evenly 35,700 km above Earth. However, NVS-02 remained stuck in GTO. ISRO had stated that the satellite systems are healthy, elaborating that it is generating power from its solar panels and communicating with the stations on Earth. "Alternate mission strategies for utilising the satellite for navigation in an elliptical orbit is being worked out," it was added. However, the satellite's long-term survival and its core purpose being accomplished is highly uncertain. ISRO has also not provided further updates about this satellite. Going forward, ISRO is expected to launch an NVS-series satellite every year. Therefore, it would be at least four years before the five-satellite NVS-series is fully operational. May 2025, PSLV-C61/EOS-09 On Sunday, 18th May, barely six minutes after liftoff, ISRO's PSLV-C61 rocket faced trouble mid-flight. "Up to the second stage performance was normal. Third stage ignited, but we made an observation regarding its functioning. Mission could not be accomplished. We are studying the data," said ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan regarding the status of the four-stage PSLV rocket that was supposed to perform an 18-minutes-long mission. EOS-09 is a radar imaging satellite(earlier known as RISAT) that is capable of day and night imaging. It can see through clouds, deliver images under all weather conditions. This 1,700kg satellite was meant to have an operational life of at least five years. Over a dozen Indian Parliamentarians, who are part of the Parliamentary Standing Committee of Science and Technology were at the spaceport in Sriharikota to witness ISRO's 101st rocket launch mission. Notably, the PSLV is ISRO's most-flown rocket and has a great track record of launching over two hundred satellites belonging to India and foreign customers. In its 63 flights so far, PSLV has had only four major setbacks - three failures and one partial success. Addressing journalists at the spaceport, the ISRO Chief elaborated on the observations. "The third stage of the PSLV uses a solid-fuel motor system. There was a fall in the chamber pressure in the motor case. We are studying the entire performance," Dr. Narayanan said. The failed launch of this strategic satellite comes a week after Nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan have announced a ceasefire, following three days of a rapidly escalating war-like situation. However, it must be emphasized that the space launch mission taking place at this time is a mere coincidence. The PSLV rocket takes a little over a month to assemble, and it takes well over a year to build a satellite like EOS-09. It would take more than a year or two for ISRO to build and launch a replacement for the EOS-09 satellite.

The rare and unusual mid-flight failure of India's PSLV-C61 rocket on May 18th, 2025, and the subsequent loss of the strategic EOS-09 satellite is a serious setback for India.&nbsp;

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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched their GSLV-F15 carrying the NVS-02 at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, marking ISRO's 100th rocket mission.

Indian Space Research Organisation accomplishes milestone 100th rocket launch

ISRO's GSLV launch is an exciting moment for us: V Narayan

India's space agency, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on Wednesday (Jan 29) achieved the historic milestone of 100 launches from its Sriharikota spaceport after successfully firing the GSLV-F15 rocket carrying the NVS-02 satellite. Watch in for more details!

Indian space agency accomplishes milestone 100th rocket launch

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