Isro introduces changes to PSLV after repeated failures, conducts key test

ISRO successfully tested the upgraded PSLV third stage at Sriharikota. The changes seek to strengthen reliability after anomalies in two consecutive missions.The committee has urged authorities to adopt a more realistic approach while seeking budget allocations. (Photo: Isro)New Delhi,Nov 13, 2026 11:46 ISTThe Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) has successfully conducted a ground static test of the upgraded third stage of its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), marking a crucial step in efforts to strengthen the rocket following anomalies during two consecutive mission failures.The static test of the PSLV's third stage, known as PS3, was conducted on November 12, 2026, at the Static Test Facility at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.The test comes after anomalies were observed in the third stage during the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 and PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 missions. Following the incidents, ISRO undertook a comprehensive review of the PS3 configuration, examining its design margins, raw material acceptance criteria, assembly procedures and quality checks.The space agency has now strengthened the stage and introduced several changes to improve its reliability and performance.WHAT HAS ISRO CHANGED IN PSLV? One of the key areas of improvement is the nozzle configuration of the PS3 solid motor stage.Isro has strengthened the configuration to improve design margins and address the issues identified during the analysis of the previous missions.The mechanical interfaces have also been strengthened, while additional redundancy has been introduced in the sealing systems to improve reliability.The agency has also revised its raw material acceptance criteria and updated the assembly procedures followed during the manufacturing and integration of the stage.In addition, Isro has introduced updated Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) procedures at different stages of integration and transportation. These inspections are aimed at identifying potential defects without damaging the components, adding another layer of quality assurance before the stage is cleared for flight.According to Isro, the adequacy of the revised design margins has been verified, and the new version of the PS3 solid motor stage has now been realised and successfully tested.MORE TESTS PLANNEDThe successful static firing is an important milestone in Isro's efforts to restore confidence in the PSLV, one of India's most important launch vehicles.The PSLV has been a workhorse for India's space programme, carrying Earth observation satellites, navigation spacecraft and commercial payloads into orbit.However, the anomalies during the C61 and C62 missions in 2025 and 2026, respectively, have prompted a closer examination of the rocket's third stage and its manufacturing and quality-control processes.Isro said that the test data will now undergo detailed analysis and review. Further tests are planned based on the findings.The latest development signals a significant effort to strengthen the PSLV's third stage before the vehicle returns to its regular launch operations.- Ends