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 witness the launch of the PSLV rocket, which will place the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite and 15 co-passenger satellites into orbit. The PSLV rocket, known for its reliability and versatility, is ISRO’s workhorse launch vehicle, having completed 63 flights, including notable missions like Chandrayaan-1. It also holds the record for launching 104 satellites in a single mission, showcasing its impressive capabilities.
As the countdown begins, the ISRO team is busy with the final preparations for the launch, which is scheduled to take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The PSLV-C62 mission is a significant one, as it marks the first launch of the year 2026 for ISRO, and it is expected to be a successful one, given the organization’s rich experience and expertise in launch vehicle technology.
The EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite, which is the primary payload of the PSLV-C62 mission, is designed to provide high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface, which can 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 high-quality 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, which belong to various countries, including the United States, Israel, and the United Kingdom, will be used for a range of purposes, including communication, navigation, and scientific research. The co-passenger satellites will be launched into a sun-synchronous orbit, which will enable them to maintain a consistent altitude and orbit around the Earth.
The PSLV rocket, which will be used for the PSLV-C62 mission, is a highly reliable and versatile launch vehicle, which has been used for a wide range of missions, including satellite launches, lunar missions, and interplanetary missions. The rocket is capable of launching payloads into a variety of orbits, including low Earth orbit, geostationary transfer orbit, and sun-synchronous orbit.
The PSLV rocket has a long history of successful launches, dating back to 1993, when it was first launched. Since then, the rocket has undergone numerous upgrades and improvements, which have enabled it to become one of the most reliable and efficient launch vehicles in the world. The PSLV rocket has been used for many notable missions, including the Chandrayaan-1 mission, which was India’s first lunar mission, and the Mars Orbiter Mission, which was India’s first interplanetary mission.
The success of the PSLV rocket can be attributed to the hard work and dedication of the ISRO team, which has worked tirelessly to develop and improve the rocket over the years. The team has faced many challenges and setbacks, but it has always managed to overcome them, thanks to its expertise and experience.
As the countdown for the PSLV-C62 mission continues, the ISRO team is busy with the final preparations for the launch. The team is conducting a range of checks and tests, including systems checks, propulsion system checks, and payload checks, to ensure that the rocket and the satellites are ready for launch.
The launch of the PSLV-C62 mission is expected to be a significant event, not just for ISRO, but for the entire country. The mission is a testament to India’s growing capabilities in space technology and its ability to compete with other countries in the field of space exploration.
In conclusion, the PSLV-C62 mission is a significant milestone for ISRO, marking the first launch of the year 2026. The mission is expected to be a successful one, given the organization’s rich experience and expertise in launch vehicle technology. The PSLV rocket, which will be used for the mission, is a highly reliable and versatile launch vehicle, which has been used for a wide range of missions, including satellite launches, lunar missions, and interplanetary missions. As the countdown continues, the ISRO team is busy with the final preparations for the launch, and the country is eagerly waiting for the successful launch of the PSLV-C62 mission.
News Source: https://x.com/PTI_News/status/2010285538843173209