PSLV failures spark sabotage alert; Doval visits Thiruvananthapuram to investigate

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval visited Thiruvananthapuram amid suspicions of sabotage following two consecutive PSLV mission failures at ISRO. Arriving secretly last month on Prime Minister Narendra Modi's orders, he headed straight to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the hub for PSLV rocket manufacturing. Doval held discussions with the director and key scientists.

According to sources, six meetings took place over two days. However, ISRO has not confirmed this. ISRO's Failure Analysis Committee (FAC) had already submitted a report to the Prime Minister, citing pressure loss in the motor chamber as the cause.

This unsatisfactory explanation fueled sabotage fears. Doval is expected to deliver his findings to the PM soon. His visit occurred on January 22-23. He came to Thiruvananthapuram from Delhi and then went to Kanyakumari. Notably, PM Modi landed in the city on the 23rd for the BJP's corporation victory celebrations, shortly after Doval's departure.

Failed missions
Two launches vital to India's defence sector failed in quick succession: PSLV-C61 on May 18, 2025, and PSLV-C62 on January 12, 2026. Carrying critical satellites, including high-resolution Earth-imaging ones, the rockets' first two stages performed well, but the third stage malfunctioned, veering them off course. This marks a major setback for India's defence advancements.

First PSLV failure since 2017
These are the first PSLV failures since 2017. After Dr S. Somanath stepped down as ISRO Chairman, Dr V. Narayanan assumed leadership. Staff reshuffles followed, with several scientists leaving ISRO. Both major missions under Narayanan have now failed.

Crisis fixer
Doval, known for swooping in during national crises, arrived 10 days ago to investigate the PSLV mishaps firsthand. Although his position entitles him to travel by chartered aircraft, he came from Delhi on an Indigo flight like an ordinary passenger. He was accompanied by four plainclothes policemen. Without communicating with anyone, he completed his secret mission in the capital and flew back to Delhi.

A 1968-batch Kerala cadre IPS officer, Doval is serving his second term as National Security Advisor with Cabinet Minister rank.