Isro is all set to prepare its first launch of 2026 with the PSLV-C62 mission, scheduled for Monday, January 12, at 10:17 am from Sriharikota. The rocket
will carry the EOS-N1 satellite, a powerful Earth-observation mission designed to strengthen India’s surveillance and monitoring capabilities from space. The EOS-N1 satellite, also called Anvesha, uses hyperspectral imaging. Instead of capturing just pictures, it studies the Earth in hundreds of tiny light bands. This helps identify terrain, materials and features with far greater clarity than conventional cameras. The satellite has been developed mainly for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is expected to support border security, coastal monitoring, agriculture assessment, urban planning and environmental studies. The PSLV-C62 will not be carrying only one satellite. Along with EOS-N1, the launch will also place a European demonstrator satellite and several small satellites belonging to Indian and foreign organisations into orbit. These include university and startup missions such as CGUSAT-1, DA-1, SR-2, Lachit-1, Solaras-S4 and DSAT-1. A key payload on board is AayulSAT, which aims to demonstrate in-orbit satellite refuelling, a first for an Indian mission. The flight will also carry Europe’s Kestrel Initial Demonstrator, which will attempt the experimental re-entry of a small capsule, with landing planned in the South Pacific Ocean. The upcoming launch is important for another reason as well. After the PSLV suffered a third-stage failure in May 2025, a smooth PSLV-C62 mission is expected to help restore confidence in a rocket that has otherwise built a long record of dependable flights. PSLV-C62 will fly in the DL configuration, using two strap-on boosters. This mission marks the 64th PSLV flight and continues the rocket’s role as India’s main vehicle for Earth-observation satellites and multi-payload missions. If the launch goes as planned, EOS-N1 will become India’s newest 'eye in the sky,' expanding both strategic and civilian use of space-based imaging in the years ahead.
