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’. This highly anticipated mission marks the beginning of a new year for ISRO, which has been at the forefront of space exploration and technological advancements in the country. The PSLV rocket, which is ISRO’s workhorse launch vehicle, will place the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit, demonstrating the organization’s capabilities in launching multiple satellites in a single mission.
The PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) rocket has been a stalwart for ISRO, completing 63 flights since its inception. Notable missions like Chandrayaan-1, which was India’s first lunar mission, have been launched using the PSLV rocket. The rocket has also made history by launching 104 satellites in a single mission, a record that showcases its versatility and reliability. The PSLV-C62 mission is expected to be another feather in the cap for ISRO, as it aims to demonstrate its capabilities in launching a range of satellites, from Earth observation satellites to smaller co-passenger satellites.
The EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite, which is the primary payload for the PSLV-C62 mission, is designed to provide high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface. The satellite will be used for a range of applications, including agriculture, forestry, and disaster management. The satellite’s advanced sensors and imaging capabilities will enable it to capture detailed images of the Earth’s surface, providing valuable data for researchers, scientists, and policymakers. The EOS-N1 satellite is a significant addition to ISRO’s fleet of Earth observation satellites, which have been instrumental in providing critical data for a range of applications.
In addition to the EOS-N1 satellite, the PSLV-C62 mission will also launch 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit. These satellites, which are from various countries, including the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom, will be used for a range of applications, including communication, navigation, and scientific research. The co-passenger satellites are a testament to ISRO’s capabilities in launching satellites for international customers, demonstrating its commitment to providing access to space for countries around the world.
The PSLV-C62 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO, as it marks the beginning of a new year for the organization. ISRO has a range of missions planned for 2026, including the launch of the Aditya-L1 mission, which will study the Sun’s corona, and the Gaganyaan mission, which will mark India’s first human spaceflight mission. The PSLV-C62 mission is an important step towards these missions, as it demonstrates ISRO’s capabilities in launching complex missions and provides valuable experience for the organization’s engineers and scientists.
The countdown for the PSLV-C62 mission began at 12.48 pm, marking the start of a 22-hour countdown. The launch is expected to take place at 10.48 am on the next day, and will be broadcast live on ISRO’s website and social media channels. The mission is expected to be a significant event, with millions of people around the world watching the launch live.
In conclusion, the PSLV-C62 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO, marking the beginning of a new year for the organization. The mission demonstrates ISRO’s capabilities in launching complex missions and provides valuable experience for the organization’s engineers and scientists. The launch of the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit will provide critical data for a range of applications, from agriculture to disaster management. As ISRO continues to push the boundaries of space exploration and technological advancements, the PSLV-C62 mission is an important step towards a new era of space research and development in India.
News Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2010285538843173209
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