All eyes on GISAT-1A as ISRO aims to end faulty launch streak with September mission
Bengaluru: The Indian Space Research Organisation is preparing for the launch of GISAT-1A in September, a mission now in focus as ISRO looks to get back on track after two successive PSLV failures.
The launch is especially significant because the first attempt to send up GISAT-1 in 2021 ended in failure, with the rocket malfunction destroying the satellite. GISAT-1A is ISRO’s second attempt to place the earth-observation satellite in orbit.
ISRO had built GISAT to monitor the Indian subcontinent from geostationary orbit, keeping almost the entire landmass in view for large parts of the day.
Since two PSLV mission failures in 2025 and early 2026, ISRO had paused launches while it investigated the issues with its workhorse rocket. Several important satellites have been waiting on the launchpad for clearance in the meantime.
Union Minister Jitendra Singh told The Hindu on June 13 that the government had identified and resolved the cause of the failures. However, he added that the ‘National Level Expert Committee’ report would not be made public — a break from historic tradition that raised concerns in some quarters.
With GISAT-1A now scheduled for launch in a few weeks, ISRO will return to flight hoping to put the setbacks behind it and successfully deploy the satellite.
