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 is set to launch the PSLV rocket, which will place the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit. The PSLV rocket, also known as the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, is ISRO’s workhorse launch vehicle, which has completed 63 flights, including notable missions like Chandrayaan-1. It holds the record for launching 104 satellites in a single mission, demonstrating its reliability and efficiency.
The PSLV-C62 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO, marking the beginning of a new year of space exploration and discovery. The EOS-N1 Earth observation 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 15 co-passenger satellites, which include satellites from various countries, will be launched into orbit along with the EOS-N1 satellite, demonstrating ISRO’s capabilities as a global launch service provider.
The PSLV rocket is a highly versatile launch vehicle, capable of launching a wide range of satellites into orbit. It has been used for a variety of missions, including launching satellites into sun-synchronous orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, and low Earth orbit. The rocket’s reliability and efficiency have made it a popular choice for satellite operators around the world, and it has played a significant role in establishing India as a major player in the global space industry.
The PSLV-C62 mission is also significant because it marks the first launch of the year for ISRO. The organisation 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 send Indian astronauts to space for the first time. The success of the PSLV-C62 mission will be an important step towards achieving these goals, and it will demonstrate ISRO’s capabilities as a space agency.
The countdown for the PSLV-C62 mission began at 12.48 pm, and it will continue for 22 hours, during which time the rocket will undergo a series of checks and preparations. The launch is scheduled to take place at 10.48 am on the next day, and it will be broadcast live on ISRO’s website and social media channels. The mission will be a significant milestone for ISRO, and it will mark the beginning of a new year of space exploration and discovery.
ISRO has a long history of achievement in space exploration, dating back to the 1970s, when it launched its first satellite, Aryabhata. Since then, the organisation has launched a wide range of satellites, including communication satellites, navigation satellites, and Earth observation satellites. It has also launched several spacecraft, including the Chandrayaan-1 mission, which orbited the Moon, and the Mangalyaan mission, which orbited Mars.
The PSLV rocket has played a significant role in ISRO’s success, launching a wide range of satellites into orbit. It has been used for a variety of missions, including launching satellites into sun-synchronous orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, and low Earth orbit. The rocket’s reliability and efficiency have made it a popular choice for satellite operators around the world, and it has played a significant role in establishing India as a major player in the global space industry.
In conclusion, the PSLV-C62 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO, marking the beginning of a new year of space exploration and discovery. The mission will demonstrate ISRO’s capabilities as a space agency, and it will highlight the organisation’s commitment to advancing our understanding of the universe. The success of the mission will be an important step towards achieving ISRO’s goals, including the launch of the Aditya-L1 spacecraft and the Gaganyaan mission.
As we look to the future, it is clear that ISRO will continue to play a major role in the global space industry. The organisation’s commitment to advancing our understanding of the universe, and its dedication to developing new technologies and capabilities, will ensure that it remains a leader in the field of space exploration. The PSLV-C62 mission is just the beginning of an exciting new year of space exploration and discovery, and we can expect to see many more significant milestones from ISRO in the years to come.
News Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2010285538843173209
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