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 of space exploration for India, with the PSLV rocket set to place the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit.
The PSLV, or Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, is ISRO’s workhorse launch vehicle, which has completed an impressive 63 flights to date. With a proven track record of success, the PSLV has established itself as a reliable and versatile launch vehicle, capable of carrying a wide range of payloads into space. One of its most notable missions was the Chandrayaan-1, India’s first lunar mission, which was launched in 2008.
The PSLV holds the record for launching 104 satellites in a single mission, a feat that showcases its capabilities and demonstrates ISRO’s expertise in space technology. The PSLV-C62 mission is expected to further cement India’s position as a major player in the global space industry, with the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite set to provide valuable data and insights for a range of applications, including agriculture, forestry, and disaster management.
The EOS-N1 satellite is designed to provide high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface, which will be used to monitor and study various phenomena, such as crop growth, deforestation, and natural disasters. The satellite’s advanced sensors and imaging technology will enable it to capture detailed images of the Earth’s surface, even in cloudy or low-light conditions.
In addition to the EOS-N1 satellite, the PSLV-C62 mission will also carry 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit. These satellites, which are being launched as part of a commercial arrangement, will be used for a range of purposes, including communication, navigation, and scientific research.
The PSLV-C62 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO, as it marks the beginning of a new year of space exploration and discovery. With a range of exciting missions planned for 2026, including the launch of the Aditya-L1 solar mission and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, ISRO is poised to make significant contributions to the global space industry.
The 22-hour countdown for the PSLV-C62 mission began at 12.48 pm, with the launch scheduled to take place at 10.48 am on the next day. The launch will be broadcast live on ISRO’s website and social media channels, providing space enthusiasts and the general public with a unique opportunity to witness the excitement of a live launch.
As the countdown begins, ISRO’s team of scientists and engineers are working tirelessly to ensure that the mission is a success. With the PSLV rocket and the EOS-N1 satellite ready for launch, the stage is set for a historic mission that will mark the beginning of a new era in Indian space exploration.
The PSLV-C62 mission is a testament to India’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing the field of space exploration. With a range of innovative missions planned for the future, ISRO is poised to play a major role in shaping the global space industry and inspiring future generations of scientists and engineers.
As we await the launch of the PSLV-C62 mission, we can’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. The mission marks the beginning of a new year of space exploration for India, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for ISRO and the global space industry.
In conclusion, the PSLV-C62 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO and the global space industry. With the PSLV rocket set to place the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit, the mission marks the beginning of a new era in Indian space exploration. We wish ISRO all the best for the mission and look forward to witnessing the excitement of the launch.
News Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2010285538843173209