After the failure of ISRO's mission 'PSLV-C62', the question arises what will happen to its satellites?

Indian space agency ISRO's mission 'PSLV-C62' failed due to a malfunction in the third stage of the rocket. For this mission, PSLV-C62 rocket took off from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh carrying 16 satellites. It is reported that the rocket failed to place the satellites in the orbit as per the mission. It lost its way in the third phase. However, ISRO Chief says that investigation is going on. Now the question arises that after the space mission fails, where will its satellites fall and will they fall back to Earth?

Most people think that after the mission fails, these satellites would simply fall anywhere on Earth, but it is not so. There is a way to reduce satellite downfall and space debris.

Mission failed, where will the satellites go now?

On what happens to satellites after mission failure, Japanese Space Agency JAXA says, every satellite has a life. It is decided how long he has to work. This is called “design life”. However, some satellites are used even after their life is over. Now the question arises that what will happen in case the mission fails?

LAUNCH! ISRO's PSLV-C62 launches EOS-N1 mission from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. pic.twitter.com/Zq4Qs7KVGQ

— NSF – NASASpaceflight.com (@NASASpaceflight) January 12, 2026

Its results are different in different situations. For example, if the satellite has reached the orbit properly but later the mission fails, then the satellite will keep rotating uncontrollably. It becomes space junk. It is also called space garbage. In such a situation, it creates a threat to other satellites.

If its fuel is exhausted, it slowly descends and can burn up in the Earth's atmosphere. If the satellite gets stuck in the wrong orbit. If it is decided that it will neither be able to function properly nor can it be brought back, then in such a situation it is declared a dead satellite. In such situations, space agencies track the failed satellite. The path of other satellites is changed to avoid collision.

What does the international rule say?

International rules have been made to prevent space debris. The guidelines of the United Nations (UN COPUOS) say that after the end of the mission, it is necessary to deorbit the satellite within 25 years so that it does not remain in the lower earth orbit for long. The guideline is that the satellite should be designed in such a way that it does not get stuck during operation. It should not explode. If the satellite does not burn completely then it is necessary to drop it in a controlled manner. Most space agencies do this.

Where is it dropped?

Dead or damaged satellites are dropped at Point Nemo. It is called the graveyard of space. Point Nemo is the most remote place in the southern Pacific Ocean. There is no human population here. This place is far away from population. The sea here is deep and there is no movement of any kind. Therefore this part is considered better for dropping satellites. Space agencies drop defective satellites, rocket parts, space station pieces here in a controlled manner.