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’. The PSLV rocket, which has been a cornerstone of ISRO’s launch capabilities, is set to place the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit. This mission marks the beginning of a new year of space exploration and discovery for India, and it’s a testament to the country’s growing prowess in the field of space technology.
The PSLV, or Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, is ISRO’s workhorse launch vehicle, which has completed an impressive 63 flights since its inception. It has been instrumental in launching numerous satellites into orbit, including notable missions like Chandrayaan-1, India’s first lunar mission. The PSLV has also demonstrated its capability to launch multiple satellites in a single mission, holding the record for launching 104 satellites in a single mission. This versatility and reliability have made the PSLV a trusted and sought-after launch vehicle for satellite operators around the world.
The EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite, which is the primary payload of the PSLV-C62 mission, is designed to provide high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface. The satellite will be used for a variety of applications, including land use mapping, crop monitoring, and disaster management. The EOS-N1 satellite is equipped with advanced sensors and cameras that will enable it to capture high-resolution 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 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 will be launched into a sun-synchronous orbit, which will provide them with a stable and consistent view of the Earth’s surface.
The PSLV-C62 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO, as it marks the beginning of a new year of space exploration and discovery. The mission demonstrates India’s growing capabilities in space technology and its ability to launch complex missions with precision and accuracy. The success of the PSLV-C62 mission will also pave the way for future missions, including the launch of more advanced satellites and spacecraft.
ISRO has been at the forefront of space technology in India, and its achievements have been recognized globally. The organization has launched numerous satellites and spacecraft, including the Mars Orbiter Mission, which was launched in 2013 and has been orbiting the planet since 2014. ISRO has also been working on several other missions, including the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which is scheduled to launch later this year.
The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO, as it will mark India’s second attempt to land on the Moon. The mission will include a lunar lander and a rover, which will be used to study the Moon’s surface and subsurface. The Chandrayaan-3 mission is a follow-up to the Chandrayaan-1 mission, which was launched in 2008 and included a lunar orbiter and an impactor.
The PSLV-C62 mission is a testament to ISRO’s capabilities and its commitment to space exploration and discovery. The mission demonstrates India’s growing prowess in space technology and its ability to launch complex missions with precision and accuracy. The success of the PSLV-C62 mission will also pave the way for future missions, including the launch of more advanced satellites and spacecraft.
In conclusion, the PSLV-C62 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO and marks the beginning of a new year of space exploration and discovery. The mission demonstrates India’s growing capabilities in space technology and its ability to launch complex missions with precision and accuracy. The success of the PSLV-C62 mission will also pave the way for future missions, including the launch of more advanced satellites and spacecraft.
News Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2010285538843173209
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