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, dubbed ‘PSLV-C62/EOS-N1’. This highly anticipated mission will see the PSLV rocket place the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit, marking a significant milestone in India’s space exploration endeavors.
The PSLV rocket, which stands for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, is ISRO’s workhorse launch vehicle, renowned for its reliability and versatility. With a staggering 63 flights under its belt, the PSLV has established itself as a trusted and dependable launch platform for a wide range of satellite missions. One of its most notable achievements was the successful launch of the Chandrayaan-1 mission, which marked India’s first foray into lunar exploration.
The PSLV holds the record for launching an impressive 104 satellites in a single mission, a feat that showcases its capability to carry multiple payloads to space. This versatility has made the PSLV a preferred choice for satellite operators and space agencies around the world, cementing India’s position as a major player in the global space industry.
The EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite, which is the primary payload of the PSLV-C62 mission, is designed to provide high-resolution imaging capabilities for a variety of applications, including land use mapping, crop monitoring, and disaster management. The satellite’s advanced imaging system will enable it to capture detailed images of the Earth’s surface, providing valuable data for scientists, researchers, and policymakers.
In addition to the EOS-N1 satellite, the PSLV-C62 mission will also carry 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit. These smaller satellites, which belong to various international customers, will be deployed into a sun-synchronous orbit, where they will operate for a range of purposes, including technology demonstration, earth observation, and communication.
The 22-hour countdown for the PSLV-C62 mission, which began at 12.48 pm, will culminate in the launch of the rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The launch window is expected to open at 10.48 am, and the rocket will lift off from the launch pad, carrying its payload of satellites into space.
As the PSLV-C62 mission prepares to take off, ISRO scientists and engineers are working tirelessly to ensure that every aspect of the launch is meticulously planned and executed. The mission’s success will not only mark a significant milestone in India’s space program but also demonstrate the country’s growing capabilities in space technology and exploration.
The PSLV-C62 mission is a testament to ISRO’s commitment to advancing India’s space program and its dedication to pushing the boundaries of space technology. With its impressive track record and proven capabilities, the PSLV rocket is poised to play a vital role in India’s future space endeavors, including upcoming missions to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.
As the world watches with bated breath, the PSLV-C62 mission is set to make history, and ISRO is ready to take the next giant leap in space exploration. With its sights set on the stars, India’s space program is poised to reach new heights, and the PSLV-C62 mission is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the country’s space journey.
Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2010285538843173209
About the Author
