Journey of 16 Satellites Ends in Orbit Failure

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)’s highly reliable PSLV (PSLV-C62) mission recently ended in failure, resulting in 16 satellites failing to reach orbit and instead falling into the ocean. This setback has affected not only ISRO but also Hyderabad-based private space startups making pioneering advances in the sector, including Dhruva Space, TakeMe2Space, and Eyan Space Labs. For now, the setback is only temporary. Although the satellites did not reach orbit, the companies still retain the technical expertise to build them. Their main challenge is securing another rocket slot. Once a slot is available, these companies expect to launch their satellites within 3–6 months. Dhruva Space deployed five payloads on the PSLV, carrying six satellites in total, including their own Thybolt-3 CubeSat, C-YouSat-1, DeeSat-1, Lachit-1, Nepal’s Munal satellite and SanskarSat.

The MOI-1 satellite developed by TakeMe2Space was set to become the world’s first “space cyber cafe” or space-based data center. Weighing 14 kg with a capacity of 120 watts, the satellite is equipped with an NVIDIA GPU. Its primary purpose is to analyze images in space using artificial intelligence and provide processing services to users at a rate of $2 per minute. The company aims to achieve this milestone ahead of Google’s 2027 SunCatcher project. Onboard the MOI-1 satellite, Eyan Space Labs installed a small space telescope named Meera. Weighing just 500 grams, it is recognized as the lightest and smallest telescope in India.

Future Plans:

Although these satellites failed to reach orbit, the companies plan to conduct new launches within 3–6 months to showcase their cutting-edge imaging technology. Dhruva Space founders stated, “Space exploration is inherently complex. Indian private space companies are building robust and scalable infrastructure. We have the capability to overcome setbacks and recover quickly. Using ISRO systems while integrating our own technical expertise, we continue to support our clients from satellite manufacturing to ground station services. Our focus now is on rapid recovery, and we aim to be ready for the next launches in a few weeks. We have full confidence in India’s space programs.”