New Delhi: ISRO is launching the PSLV-C62 flight on 12 January, 2026 at 10:17 hours IST. The primary payload on board is the hyperspectral Earth imaging
satellite EOS-N1 dubbed ‘Anvesha‘ for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). While the cameras we have in our smartphones capture light in three or four colours, hyperspectral cameras capture many individual wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, allowing for determining the materials used. The satellite will be used for border monitoring and intelligence, with the capabilities of distinguishing camouflaged military assets such as buildings and vehicles based on the unique spectral signatures of the materials used.
There are 18 other co-passenger satellites ridesharing on the mission, including the MIRA space telescope developed by Hyderabad-based New Space startup EON Space Labs with satellite partner TakeMe2Space. The satellite is called MOI-1, and has on-board AI processing capabilities. The instrument has both civilian and strategic applications. The AI processing capabilities on board allows for the direct transmission of actionable intelligence from the satellite to the ground stations. Chennai-based New Space startup OrbitAID is sending up a technology demonstration satellite, AyulSat, to demonstrate on-orbit transfer of fuel, power and data internally, through its Standard Interface Docking and Refuelling Port (SIDRP). The technology promises to make space activities more sustainable by extending the operational lifespans of satellites.
International payloads on board as well
One of the copassengers is a small satellite weighing 245 grams called Orbital Temple by the Brazillian artist Edson Pavoni. This satellite is a collaborative art project and a sculpture, paired with a reflective golden antenna on the ground. Anyone on the planet can beam up the names of someone they want to remember to the satellite. Also on board is the Kestrel Cargo Capsule demonstrator by Spanish New space startup Orbital Paradigm. The demonstrator is a smaller version of a recoverable cargo capsule for conducting microgravity experiments. Orbital Paradigm will only be collecting data during the flight, and will not be attempting to recover the capsule. More details on the additional payloads are expected to be available closer to the launch.
