SOURCE: AFI
In a surprising turn of events that has tickled the funny bone of netizens worldwide, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has inadvertently launched a new meme into the internet’s orbit. During the rollout of the PSLV-C60 for the SpaDeX mission, observers noticed something unusual: the fourth stage (PS4) of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) was covered with a protective round hood instead of the expected, sleek, pointy payload fairing. This unexpected sight quickly became a source of amusement and creativity on social media platforms, drawing parallels to a famous line from the movie “The Dictator”: “The missile is too round; it needs to be pointy.”
Traditionally, the payload fairing of a rocket is designed to be aerodynamic, protecting the satellite during its journey through the Earth’s atmosphere. However, in this instance, ISRO chose a different approach. The PSLV-C60 was seen with a round hood over its fourth stage as it was transported to the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This was not for aesthetic reasons but part of an innovative shift in ISRO’s assembly and integration process. The use of a Mobile Service Tower (MST) allowed for the rocket to be moved after assembly, marking a significant departure from previous methods and aligning ISRO with contemporary space launch practices.
The sight of this unconventional rocket design quickly caught the eye of both Indian and Western audiences. Social media erupted with memes, GIFs, and humorous posts. One particularly popular meme juxtaposed the round-hooded PS4 with the aforementioned quote from “The Dictator,” humorously questioning the aerodynamics of the rocket’s design. Comments ranged from jesting about the physics of launching a “round missile” to playful speculations on whether this was ISRO’s new secret weapon against space debris.
Users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Instagram shared images with captions like, “ISRO’s new stealth tech: the round rocket,” or “When you’re so ahead of the curve, you literally make the rocket round.”
The round hood of the PS4 found its way into meme culture, with creators linking it to everything from a giant space bowling ball to a modern art sculpture. The humor was light-hearted but also served as a testament to the public’s engagement with space exploration.
While the round hood became a meme, it also sparked discussions on the ingenuity behind ISRO’s operations. This adaptation in the launch preparation process was a strategic move to enhance efficiency and safety, showcasing ISRO’s commitment to innovation. The protective hood was part of a broader effort to refine launch operations, allowing for the integration of satellites like SpaDeX directly at the launch pad, thus potentially reducing turnaround times and costs.