ISRO's PSLV-C62 Mission Fails; Spanish KID Capsule Survives and Sends Data

ISRO's PSLV-C62 mission on January 12, 2026, failed due to a third-stage anomaly, causing 15 of 16 satellites to be lost. However, the Spanish startup Orbital Paradigm's Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID) capsule survived, separating from the rocket, switching on, and transmitting data for about three minutes before splashdown. Designed to test re-entry technology, KID endured extreme forces and heat, providing valuable telemetry. ISRO confirmed the anomaly and is analyzing the failure, while Orbital Paradigm is reconstructing KID's trajectory and preparing a detailed report.