ISRO successfully conducts ground static test of PSLV third stage

A view of the ground static test of the PSLV third stage (PS3) successfully conducted at the Static Test Facility at the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota on November 12, 2026. | Photo credit: ANI

The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), which is looking to get its launch vehicle, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), back on track on Thursday (November 12, 2026) successfully conducted a ground static test of the PSLV third stage (PS3) at the Static Test Facility at the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.

“Following the anomalies observed in the PSLV third stage during the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 & PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 missions, the configuration of the PS3 stage has been comprehensively re-evaluated with respect to the design allowances, raw material acceptance criteria, assembly procedures and quality controls followed so far,” ISRO said.

Configuration strengthened

“The configuration has been strengthened and major improvements have been made to the nozzle configuration to improve design margins along with updated raw material acceptance procedures, assembly procedures and quality controls,” ISRO added.

It was also stated that the mechanical interfaces were strengthened by redundancy in the sealing systems and the adequacy of the design reserves was verified.

“Updates to assembly procedures and non-destructive testing (NDT) have been implemented during the various stages of integration and transport and the new version of the PS3 solid engine is being successfully implemented and tested,” ISRO said.

Based on a detailed analysis and review of test data, the space agency said more tests are planned.

Published – 12 Nov 2026 21:34 IST