ISRO's rocket encounters anomaly; loses 16 satellites in first mission of 2026

This is the second consecutive setback for the PSLV in eight months. Earlier, in May this year, PSLV-C61 failed to place the EOS-09 earth observation satellite into orbit due to a third-stage anomaly. Meanwhile, startups and industry experts have repeatedly flagged delays in launch schedules and limited access to testing facilities, prompting some firms to explore overseas launch options.