ISRO begins countdown for 1st launch of 2026 with PSLV-C62 mission
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has officially commenced the countdown for its first launch mission of 2026, marking a significant milestone in the country’s space exploration program. The 22-hour countdown began at 12:48 pm for the PSLV-C62 mission, which will see the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) rocket place the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit.
The PSLV rocket, which is ISRO’s workhorse launch vehicle, has a proven track record of successfully completing 63 flights, including several notable missions such as Chandrayaan-1. One of its most impressive feats was launching 104 satellites in a single mission, a record that showcases the rocket’s capabilities and reliability. The PSLV has been instrumental in launching various satellites into orbit, including those for Earth observation, navigation, and communication.
The EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite is the primary payload of the PSLV-C62 mission. The satellite is designed to provide high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface, which will be used for various applications such as crop monitoring, disaster management, and urban planning. The satellite’s advanced imaging capabilities will enable it to capture detailed images of the Earth’s surface, even in cloudy or dusty conditions.
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, Israel, and the United Kingdom, and 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, as it marks the first launch of 2026. The mission will demonstrate ISRO’s capabilities in launching multiple satellites into orbit using a single rocket, and will also showcase the organization’s commitment to providing launch services to international customers.
The PSLV rocket is a highly reliable and versatile launch vehicle, which has been used for a wide range of missions, including launching satellites into low Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, and even interplanetary missions. The rocket’s ability to launch multiple satellites into orbit using a single launch vehicle makes it an attractive option for satellite operators and space agencies around the world.
The countdown for the PSLV-C62 mission began at 12:48 pm, and the rocket is expected to lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 12:48 pm on the next day. The launch will be monitored by ISRO’s team of scientists and engineers, who will be tracking the rocket’s progress and ensuring that the mission is successful.
The PSLV-C62 mission is an important milestone for ISRO, as it marks the beginning of a new year of space exploration and discovery. The mission will demonstrate ISRO’s capabilities in launching satellites into orbit, and will also pave the way for future missions, including the launch of more advanced satellites and interplanetary missions.
In conclusion, the PSLV-C62 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO, marking the first launch of 2026. The mission will demonstrate ISRO’s capabilities in launching multiple satellites into orbit using a single rocket, and will also showcase the organization’s commitment to providing launch services to international customers. With the PSLV rocket’s proven track record of success, the mission is expected to be a success, and will pave the way for future missions and advancements in space exploration.
News Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2010285538843173209
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