ISRO PSLV-C62 launch marks India’s first space mission of 2026 as the national space agency prepares to lift off with the Anvesha (EOS-N1) satellite on January 12, 2026, from Sriharikota. The mission will deploy 16 payloads in total, highlighting India’s growing capabilities in Earth observation and advanced space technology demonstrations.
Mission Overview: PSLV-C62 at a Glance
The mission will be carried out using ISRO’s trusted Indian Space Research Organisation Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle in its PSLV-C62 configuration.
- Launch Vehicle: PSLV-C62
- Launch Site: First Launch Pad, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota
- Scheduled Liftoff: 10:17 AM IST (ISRO official timing; some reports mention 10:18 AM following a minor adjustment)
- Total Payloads: 16 satellites
Anvesha (EOS-N1): The Primary Payload
The primary satellite, Anvesha, also designated EOS-N1, is an advanced Earth-observation satellite.
According to mission briefings and reported capabilities, Anvesha is equipped with hyperspectral imaging technology, enabling:
- Enhanced Earth surface monitoring
- Improved analysis of vegetation, terrain, and land use
- Applications in environmental studies and strategic surveillance
ISRO has not publicly detailed all operational parameters, but experts say hyperspectral sensors offer far greater data depth than conventional optical imaging.
Co-Passenger Satellites: What Else Is Onboard?
Along with Anvesha, PSLV-C62 will carry 15 co-passenger payloads, demonstrating India’s role as a reliable launch partner.
Key Co-Passengers Include:
- MUNAL – A student-built satellite from Nepal, symbolising regional space collaboration
- AayulSAT – An OrbitAID mission aimed at demonstrating in-orbit refuelling technology
- KID Capsule (Spain) – A technology demonstrator designed for atmospheric re-entry experiments
Fourteen of the co-passenger satellites will be placed in Sun-synchronous orbit, while the KID capsule will follow a planned re-entry trajectory.
Why This Launch Matters
The PSLV-C62 mission is significant because it:
- Opens ISRO’s 2026 launch calendar
- Advances India’s Earth-observation capabilities
- Demonstrates emerging technologies like in-orbit refuelling and controlled re-entry
- Reinforces India’s status as a cost-effective global launch provider
For India’s space ecosystem, missions like this also support research, climate monitoring, disaster management, and strategic applications.
Live Coverage & Public Interest
ISRO’s official live webcast is expected to begin around 9:45 AM IST, ahead of liftoff, via its official platforms. Space enthusiasts across India — including students and researchers in Jammu & Kashmir — are closely tracking the mission, given its technological importance.
Key Highlights / Summary Box:
- PSLV-C62 launches Anvesha (EOS-N1) on January 12, 2026
- 16 payloads onboard, including satellites from Nepal and Spain
- Hyperspectral imaging and in-orbit refuelling demos are key mission features
Conclusion
The ISRO PSLV-C62 Anvesha mission underscores India’s steady progress in space science and technology. As the rocket lifts off from Sriharikota, all eyes will be on how successfully the mission deploys its diverse payloads and advances next-generation space capabilities.
FAQs
A1: ISRO has scheduled the PSLV-C62 liftoff for 10:17 AM IST on January 12, 2026.
A2: Anvesha (EOS-N1) is an Earth-observation satellite equipped with hyperspectral imaging, useful for environmental monitoring and advanced analysis.
