The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO’s) polar satellite launch vehicle (PSLV)-C62 rocket, carrying 16 satellites including a foreign earth observation satellite, “encountered an anomaly” on Monday, the space agency said, signalling the failure of the mission.

Disturbances were observed in the rocket during the third stage, while the strap-on motors were providing thrust to propel the vehicle to its intended altitude, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said, adding that a detailed analysis has been initiated to identify the cause. The rocket later deviated from its flight path, preventing the satellites from being placed in the intended orbit, news agency PTI reported. According to ISRO sources, all 16 satellites were lost in space.