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’. 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. Notable missions include 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 reliability and versatility.
The EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite is the primary payload of the PSLV-C62 mission. Weighing approximately 450 kilograms, the EOS-N1 is designed to provide high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface, which will be used for a variety of applications, including agriculture, forestry, and disaster management. The satellite is equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, which will enable it to capture detailed images of the Earth’s surface, even in cloudy or dusty conditions.
In addition to the EOS-N1, the PSLV-C62 mission will also carry 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit. These satellites, which belong to various international customers, will be used for a range of purposes, including communication, navigation, and scientific research. The co-passenger satellites are a testament to ISRO’s growing reputation as a reliable and cost-effective launch services provider.
The PSLV-C62 mission is significant not only because it marks the beginning of a new year of space exploration for India but also because it demonstrates the country’s growing capabilities in the field of space technology. ISRO has been working tirelessly to develop new launch vehicles, satellites, and other space-related technologies, which have enabled the country to become a major player in the global space industry.
The PSLV rocket, which is used for the PSLV-C62 mission, is a highly reliable and versatile launch vehicle. It has been used for a wide range of missions, including the launch of satellites into low Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, and even interplanetary missions. The PSLV is capable of carrying payloads of up to 1,750 kilograms into low Earth orbit, making it an ideal launch vehicle for a variety of applications.
The success of the PSLV-C62 mission will be a major milestone for ISRO, as it will demonstrate the agency’s ability to launch multiple satellites into orbit using a single rocket. It will also mark the beginning of a new era of space exploration for India, with a range of exciting missions planned for the coming years.
Some of the key features of the PSLV-C62 mission include:
- The PSLV rocket will launch the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit.
- The EOS-N1 satellite is designed to provide high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface, which will be used for a variety of applications.
- The PSLV-C62 mission marks the beginning of a new year of space exploration for India.
- The PSLV rocket has completed 63 flights to date, including notable missions like Chandrayaan-1.
- The PSLV holds the record for launching 104 satellites in a single mission.
In conclusion, the PSLV-C62 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO, marking the beginning of a new year of space exploration for India. The mission demonstrates the country’s growing capabilities in the field of space technology and showcases the reliability and versatility of the PSLV rocket. With a range of exciting missions planned for the coming years, India is set to become a major player in the global space industry.
News Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2010285538843173209
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