Bengaluru. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully conducted the 'Ground Static Test' of the upgraded third stage of its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). This is an important step towards further strengthening the rocket after technical glitches during the failure of two consecutive missions.
This static test of the third stage of PSLV, called PS3, was conducted on 12 November 2026 at the 'Static Test Facility' of Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota. The test has been conducted after some technical glitches were observed in the third stage during the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 and PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 missions.
Following these incidents, ISRO conducted a thorough review of the entire configuration of PS3. It closely examined its design margins, raw material acceptance criteria, assembly processes and quality checks.
The space agency has now strengthened this stage and made several changes to improve its reliability and performance.
What changes has ISRO made to PSLV?
One of the main areas of improvement is the 'nozzle configuration' of the PS3 solid motor stage. ISRO has strengthened this configuration to improve design margins and overcome problems encountered during analysis of previous missions. In addition, the mechanical interfaces have also been strengthened, and additional 'redundancy' (additional measures for safety) added to the sealing system to increase reliability.
The agency has also revised its raw material acceptance criteria and updated the assembly processes to be followed during this phase of manufacturing and integration.
Along with this, ISRO has implemented updated procedures of 'Non-Destructive Testing' (NDT) at various stages of integration and transportation. The purpose of these tests is to detect possible defects in the parts without damaging them. This adds another layer of quality assurance before this stage is cleared for flight.
According to ISRO, the adequacy of the revised design margin has been verified. The new version of the PS3 solid motor stage is now ready and successfully tested.
and planning of tests
The successful 'static firing' is an important milestone in ISRO's efforts to rebuild confidence in the PSLV, one of India's most critical launch vehicles. PSLV has been a trusted instrument of India's space programme, delivering Earth observation satellites, navigation spacecraft and commercial payloads to orbit.
However, due to some technical glitches during the C61 and C62 missions in 2025 and 2026, the rocket's third stage and its manufacturing and quality-control processes are now being closely scrutinized.
ISRO has said that now the data obtained from the test will be analyzed and reviewed in detail. Based on its results, further tests will be conducted. This latest development indicates that serious efforts are being made to further strengthen the PSLV's third stage, before returning it to its regular launch operations.
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