Context:
Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) prepares to lift off its PSLV-C62 mission on January 12, 2026, from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This mission will carry an advanced Earth observation satellite — EOS-N1 (codenamed Anvesha) along with multiple co-passenger payloads, reinforcing India’s growing capabilities in remote sensing, surveillance, and space collaboration.
About Launch Vehicle:
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- The mission will use the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C62) in its DL configuration (with two solid strap-on boosters).
- This will be the 64th flight of the PSLV, the reliable workhorse of India’s space launch fleet.
- PSLV has a long heritage of successful missions, including Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission, and others, cementing India’s credibility in space launches.
- The mission will use the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C62) in its DL configuration (with two solid strap-on boosters).
About EOS-N1 (Anvesha):
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- The main satellite onboard is EOS-N1, also known as Anvesha, developed for Earth observation and strategic applications.
- EOS-N1 is a hyperspectral imaging satellite capable of capturing data across hundreds of narrow spectral bands, enabling it to detect materials, land features, and environmental patterns that are not visible to conventional sensors.
- Its data can support border surveillance, environmental monitoring, agriculture assessment, urban planning, and disaster management.
- The main satellite onboard is EOS-N1, also known as Anvesha, developed for Earth observation and strategic applications.
Co-Passenger Payloads:
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- Alongside EOS-N1, the mission will carry 18 co-passenger satellites from a mix of Indian startups, research institutions, and international partners, underlining ISRO’s role as a global launch service provider.
- Payloads include technology demonstrators such as the Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID) from a Spanish startup and other small satellites with diverse scientific and commercial missions.
- Alongside EOS-N1, the mission will carry 18 co-passenger satellites from a mix of Indian startups, research institutions, and international partners, underlining ISRO’s role as a global launch service provider.
Strategic Significance:
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- The mission enhances India’s remote sensing and space surveillance infrastructure, critical for national security and environmental applications.
- It showcases India’s capacity to integrate technology, indigenous and international collaborations, and commercial satellite deployment.
- The mission enhances India’s remote sensing and space surveillance infrastructure, critical for national security and environmental applications.
About Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO):
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is India’s national space agency, established in 1969 under the visionary leadership of Dr. Vikram Sarabhai. It functions under the Department of Space (DoS), which reports directly to the Prime Minister of India, with headquarters in Bengaluru.
Mandate and Objectives:
ISRO aims to harness space technology for national development and advance space science. Its activities span satellite development, launch vehicle technology, space applications, and planetary exploration.
Key Achievements:
· Aryabhata (1975): India’s first satellite
· PSLV: Reliable and cost-effective launcher
· GSLV & LVM3: Heavy-lift capability
· Chandrayaan-3 (2023): First soft landing near Moon’s south pole
· Mars Orbiter Mission (2014): First success on maiden attempt
· Aditya-L1: India’s first solar mission
Conclusion:
The PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission on January 12, 2026 is a key milestone in India’s space calendar. It underscores ISRO’s commitment to advancing Earth observation capabilities, space technology innovation, and global cooperation, while continuing to build a vibrant space ecosystem that combines scientific, strategic, and commercial objectives.
