ISRO Commences Countdown for PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 Mission Launch

Countdown Underway for India's First Space Mission of 2026

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has commenced the 22.5-hour countdown for its PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission, with the launch set for January 12, 2026. The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is scheduled to lift off at 10:17 AM IST from the First Launch Pad (FLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This mission marks the 64th flight of the PSLV and the ninth dedicated commercial mission undertaken by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).

EOS-N1: A Hyperspectral Eye in the Sky

The primary payload of the mission is EOS-N1, also known by its codename 'Anvesha'. This advanced hyperspectral Earth observation satellite has been developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Its capabilities are designed to enhance India's strategic defense and surveillance, providing precise imaging for applications such as border monitoring, terrain analysis, and threat detection. Beyond military applications, EOS-N1 will also contribute to civilian monitoring in areas like agriculture, urban mapping, and environmental assessment.

Multi-Payload Deployment and Innovative Demonstrations

The PSLV-C62 mission is a rideshare flight, carrying a total of 19 payloads, including the primary EOS-N1 satellite and 18 co-passenger satellites. These co-passengers include a diverse array of satellites from both domestic and international customers.

• A significant co-passenger is the Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator (KID), a small re-entry capsule from Spanish startup Orbital Paradigm. This demonstration aims to test re-entry capabilities, with the capsule slated to re-enter Earth's atmosphere for a splashdown in the South Pacific Ocean.
• Another notable payload is AayulSAT, an in-orbit satellite refuelling experiment developed by Bengaluru-based space startup OrbitAID Aerospace.
• The mission also includes commercial payloads from various countries, including India, Brazil, Nepal, Thailand, Spain, France, and the United Kingdom.

The PSLV-C62 is a PSLV-DL variant, characterized by its use of two solid strap-on motors. Standing at 44.4 meters tall and with a lift-off mass of approximately 260 tonnes, the four-stage rocket is a testament to ISRO's reliable launch vehicle technology.

Strategic Importance and Future Outlook

This mission underscores India's growing capabilities in space technology, blending national security priorities with private-sector innovation. The deployment of EOS-N1 and the various co-passenger satellites highlights ISRO's continued focus on strategic, commercial, and international payload deployment, solidifying India's position in the global space arena.