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 rocket, which stands for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, is ISRO’s workhorse launch vehicle, having completed an impressive 63 flights to date. Its notable missions include the Chandrayaan-1, which was India’s first lunar exploration mission. The PSLV holds the record for launching 104 satellites in a single mission, demonstrating its capabilities and reliability.
The EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite is the primary payload of the PSLV-C62 mission. Weighing around 445 kilograms, the 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 satellite is equipped with advanced imaging instruments, including a high-resolution camera and a multispectral scanner.
In addition to the EOS-N1 satellite, the PSLV-C62 mission will also carry 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit. These satellites are from various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, among others. The co-passenger satellites will be used for a range of purposes, including technology demonstration, Earth observation, and communication.
The PSLV-C62 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO, marking the beginning of a new year of space exploration and development. The mission demonstrates India’s capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing the field of space research.
The PSLV rocket is a highly reliable and versatile launch vehicle, capable of carrying a wide range of payloads into orbit. Its success rate is impressive, with over 90% of its missions being successful. The rocket’s reliability and efficiency have made it a popular choice for satellite launches, not only for Indian satellites but also for international customers.
ISRO has been at the forefront of space research and development in India, with a wide range of programs and missions aimed at advancing the country’s space capabilities. The organization has made significant contributions to the field of space research, including the development of advanced launch vehicles, satellites, and spacecraft.
The PSLV-C62 mission is expected to be a major success, marking the beginning of a new year of space exploration and development for India. The mission will demonstrate India’s capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing the field of space research.
As the countdown begins, the ISRO team is working tirelessly to ensure the success of the mission. The PSLV rocket is being fueled, and the final checks are being conducted to ensure that everything is in place for a successful launch.
The launch of the PSLV-C62 mission is expected to take place at 10.48 am on the day of the launch, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The launch will be telecast live on various TV channels and online platforms, allowing millions of people to witness the historic event.
In conclusion, the ISRO’s PSLV-C62 mission marks the beginning of a new year of space exploration and development for India. The mission demonstrates India’s capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing the field of space research. The PSLV rocket is a highly reliable and versatile launch vehicle, capable of carrying a wide range of payloads into orbit. As the countdown begins, the ISRO team is working tirelessly to ensure the success of the mission, and the launch is expected to be a major success.
News Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2010285538843173209
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