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 is set to launch the PSLV rocket, which will place the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit. The PSLV rocket, also known as the 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, showcasing its reliability and versatility.
The PSLV-C62 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO, marking the beginning of a new year of space exploration and discovery. The EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite is designed to provide high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface, which will be used for various applications such as land use mapping, crop monitoring, and disaster management. The 15 co-passenger satellites, which include small satellites from various countries, will be launched into orbit along with the EOS-N1 satellite, demonstrating ISRO’s commitment to promoting international cooperation in space exploration.
The PSLV rocket is a highly reliable and efficient launch vehicle, with a proven track record of success. It has been used for a wide range of missions, from launching small satellites into low Earth orbit to placing heavy satellites into geostationary orbit. The PSLV rocket is capable of carrying a payload of up to 1,750 kg into orbit, making it an ideal launch vehicle for a variety of space missions.
The countdown for the PSLV-C62 mission began at 12.48 pm, and the launch is scheduled to take place at 10.48 am on the next day. The launch will be carried out from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, which is ISRO’s primary launch site. The launch will be webcast live on ISRO’s website, allowing space enthusiasts and the general public to witness the launch in real-time.
The PSLV-C62 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO, as it marks the beginning of a new year of space exploration and discovery. ISRO has a busy schedule of launches planned for 2026, including several high-profile missions such as the Chandrayaan-3 mission, which aims to land a rover on the Moon’s south pole. The success of the PSLV-C62 mission will be a crucial step towards achieving these goals, and will demonstrate ISRO’s capabilities as a leading space agency.
In recent years, ISRO has made significant strides in space exploration, with several notable missions such as the Mangalyaan mission to Mars and the AstroSat mission to study the universe in X-rays. The PSLV-C62 mission is a continuation of this trend, and demonstrates ISRO’s commitment to advancing our understanding of the universe and promoting international cooperation in space exploration.
The PSLV rocket has a long history of success, dating back to its first launch in 1993. Since then, it has completed 63 flights, with a success rate of over 95%. The PSLV rocket has been used for a wide range of missions, including launching small satellites into low Earth orbit, placing heavy satellites into geostationary orbit, and even launching interplanetary missions such as the Mangalyaan mission to Mars.
In addition to its technical capabilities, the PSLV rocket is also known for its cost-effectiveness. It is one of the most affordable launch vehicles in the world, making it an attractive option for satellite operators and space agencies around the world. The PSLV rocket has been used by several countries, including the United States, Canada, and Germany, to launch their satellites into orbit.
The PSLV-C62 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO, and marks the beginning of a new year of space exploration and discovery. The success of this mission will be a crucial step towards achieving ISRO’s goals, and will demonstrate its capabilities as a leading space agency. With its rich history of success and its technical capabilities, the PSLV rocket is an ideal launch vehicle for a wide range of space missions.
In conclusion, the PSLV-C62 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO, marking the beginning of a new year of space exploration and discovery. The launch of the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit will demonstrate ISRO’s capabilities as a leading space agency, and will showcase its commitment to advancing our understanding of the universe and promoting international cooperation in space exploration. With its rich history of success and its technical capabilities, the PSLV rocket is an ideal launch vehicle for a wide range of space missions, and will continue to play a crucial role in ISRO’s future plans.
News Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2010285538843173209
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