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. As the nation holds its breath in anticipation, we take a closer look at the significance of this mission and the capabilities of the PSLV rocket.
The PSLV, or Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle, is ISRO’s workhorse launch vehicle, which has completed an impressive 63 flights since its inception. Notable missions like Chandrayaan-1, India’s first lunar mission, have been successfully launched using the PSLV rocket. It also holds the record for launching 104 satellites in a single mission, a feat that showcases the rocket’s exceptional capabilities and reliability.
The EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite is the primary payload of the PSLV-C62 mission. This 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’s advanced sensors and imaging technology will enable it to capture detailed images of the Earth’s surface, even in cloudy or low-light conditions.
In addition to the EOS-N1 satellite, the PSLV-C62 mission will also launch 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit. These satellites belong to various countries, including the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom, and will be used for a range of purposes, including communication, navigation, and scientific research. The launch of these satellites demonstrates ISRO’s commitment to international cooperation and its growing role as a global player in the space industry.
The PSLV rocket is a highly versatile launch vehicle that has been used for a wide range of missions, from launching small satellites into low Earth orbit to placing large satellites into geostationary orbit. Its ability to launch multiple satellites into orbit in a single mission has made it a popular choice for satellite operators around the world.
The success of the PSLV-C62 mission will mark a significant milestone for ISRO, which has been working tirelessly to expand its capabilities and launch new missions. The organisation has a busy schedule of launches planned for 2026, including several high-profile missions, such as the Chandrayaan-3 lunar mission and the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission.
As the countdown begins for the PSLV-C62 mission, the nation is filled with excitement and anticipation. The success of this mission will not only demonstrate ISRO’s capabilities as a launch service provider but also highlight the organisation’s commitment to advancing India’s space programme.
In recent years, ISRO has made significant strides in the development of new technologies and launch vehicles. The organisation has successfully tested its reusable launch vehicle technology, which has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of access to space. ISRO has also announced plans to develop a new heavy-lift launch vehicle, which will enable the organisation to launch even larger satellites into orbit.
The PSLV-C62 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO, and its success will pave the way for even more ambitious missions in the future. As the nation waits with bated breath for the launch of the PSLV rocket, we can’t help but feel a sense of pride and awe at the incredible achievements of ISRO and its team of dedicated scientists and engineers.
In conclusion, the PSLV-C62 mission is a highly significant event that marks the beginning of a new era in India’s space programme. The success of this mission will demonstrate ISRO’s capabilities as a launch service provider and highlight the organisation’s commitment to advancing India’s space programme. As we wait for the launch of the PSLV rocket, we can’t help but feel excited about the future of India’s space programme and the many incredible achievements that are yet to come.
News source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2010285538843173209
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