ISRO begins countdown for 1st launch of 2026 with PSLV-C62 mission
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has commenced a 22-hour countdown at 12.48 pm for its first launch mission of 2026, ‘PSLV-C62/EOS-N1’. The PSLV rocket will place the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit, marking the beginning of a new year of space exploration for India.
The PSLV, or Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, is ISRO’s workhorse launch vehicle, which has completed 63 flights, including notable missions like Chandrayaan-1. The PSLV holds the record for launching 104 satellites in a single mission, showcasing its capabilities and reliability. The PSLV-C62 mission is expected to be another successful launch, further solidifying ISRO’s position as a leading space agency in the world.
The EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite is the primary payload of the PSLV-C62 mission. The satellite is designed to provide high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface, which will be used for a variety of applications, including land use mapping, crop monitoring, and disaster management. The satellite is equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, which will enable it to capture detailed images of the Earth’s surface, even in cloudy or hazy conditions.
In addition to the EOS-N1 satellite, the PSLV-C62 mission will also carry 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit. These satellites belong to various countries, including the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom, and will be used for a range of applications, including communication, navigation, and scientific research. The co-passenger satellites will be deployed into orbit after the EOS-N1 satellite has been placed into its designated orbit.
The PSLV-C62 mission is significant not only because it marks the first launch of 2026 for ISRO but also because it demonstrates the organization’s capabilities in launching multiple satellites into orbit in a single mission. This capability is essential for ISRO’s commercial launch services, which have become a major source of revenue for the organization. ISRO has launched numerous satellites for foreign countries and companies, and the PSLV-C62 mission is expected to further strengthen its position in the global launch market.
The countdown for the PSLV-C62 mission began at 12.48 pm, and the launch is expected to take place at 10.48 am on the next day. The rocket will lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, and will follow a predetermined trajectory to place the satellites into orbit. The launch will be monitored by a team of scientists and engineers from ISRO, who will be stationed at the launch site and at various tracking stations around the world.
The PSLV-C62 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO, as it marks the beginning of a new year of space exploration for the organization. ISRO has a busy launch schedule for 2026, with several missions planned, including the launch of the Aditya-L1 spacecraft, which will study the Sun’s corona, and the Gaganyaan mission, which will carry Indian astronauts into space for the first time. The PSLV-C62 mission is an important step towards these larger goals, and its success will pave the way for future launches and missions.
In conclusion, the PSLV-C62 mission is an exciting beginning to the new year for ISRO, and it demonstrates the organization’s capabilities in launching multiple satellites into orbit in a single mission. The mission is significant not only for ISRO but also for the global space community, as it showcases the organization’s expertise and reliability in launch services. As we look forward to the launch of the PSLV-C62 mission, we can expect a successful and exciting year of space exploration for ISRO.
News Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2010285538843173209
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