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 a significant milestone in the country’s space exploration program. This launch is a testament to ISRO’s continued efforts to push the boundaries of space technology and expand its capabilities in the field.
The PSLV (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 versatility. The PSLV has been instrumental in launching various satellites into orbit, including Earth observation, communication, and navigation satellites, and has played a crucial role in advancing India’s space program.
The EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite is the primary payload of the PSLV-C62 mission. Weighing around 450 kg, the satellite is designed to provide high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface, which will be used for various applications such as agriculture, forestry, and disaster management. The satellite is equipped with advanced sensors and cameras that will enable it to capture images with high spatial and spectral resolution, providing valuable data for scientists and researchers.
In addition to the EOS-N1 satellite, the PSLV-C62 mission will also launch 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 technology demonstration, Earth observation, and communication. The co-passenger satellites will be launched into a sun-synchronous orbit, which will provide them with a stable and consistent environment for operation.
The PSLV-C62 mission is significant not only because of the number of satellites being launched but also because of the technological advancements that have been incorporated into the launch vehicle. The PSLV has undergone several upgrades and modifications over the years, including the development of new propulsion systems and navigation technologies. These advancements have enabled the PSLV to become more efficient and reliable, and have paved the way for future missions that will require even greater levels of precision and accuracy.
The launch of the PSLV-C62 mission is also a testament to the growing international cooperation in space exploration. The co-passenger satellites being launched on this mission belong to various countries, demonstrating the global interest in space technology and the desire to collaborate on space-related projects. This cooperation is expected to continue in the future, with ISRO planning to launch several international satellites in the coming years.
As the countdown begins for the PSLV-C62 mission, ISRO scientists and engineers are working tirelessly to ensure that the launch is successful. The launch vehicle has undergone extensive testing and validation, and all systems are go for liftoff. The weather conditions are also favorable, with clear skies and light winds expected at the launch site.
The launch of the PSLV-C62 mission is a significant event for India’s space program, and it marks the beginning of a new year of space exploration and discovery. As ISRO continues to push the boundaries of space technology, it is expected to achieve even greater milestones in the future, including the launch of more complex and ambitious missions.
In conclusion, the PSLV-C62 mission is a major milestone for ISRO, and it highlights the organization’s capabilities in space technology and exploration. The launch of the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit will provide valuable data and insights for scientists and researchers, and will demonstrate the versatility and reliability of the PSLV launch vehicle. As ISRO continues to advance its space program, it is expected to achieve even greater success in the future, and to play a leading role in the global space community.
News Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2010285538843173209
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