SRIHARIKOTA — The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is ready to break the silence at the launchpad. After a quiet December, the space agency has officially announced its first mission of the new year.
The PSLV-C62 mission is scheduled to lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 09:30 AM IST.
This isn’t just a routine launch. The rocket will be carrying the EOS-N1 (Earth Observation Satellite), a next-generation surveillance satellite that defence experts are calling India’s new “Eye in the Sky.”
The Payload: What is EOS-N1?
While ISRO officially categorizes it as an Earth Observation Satellite for “disaster management and agriculture,” sources confirm it has significant strategic capabilities.
- High-Resolution Imaging: The satellite carries advanced optical cameras capable of capturing sub-meter resolution images, day and night.
- Border Surveillance: For regions like Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, this satellite is a game-changer. It can monitor troop movements and infrastructure developments across the LAC and LoC with unprecedented clarity.
- Disaster Watch: It will also play a critical role in monitoring floods, landslides, and glacial lake outbursts in the Himalayas.
The Rocket: The Reliable Workhorse
The mission will be executed by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), often called ISRO’s “Trusted Workhorse.”
- Mission Number: C62.
- Configuration: It will likely fly in the ‘Core Alone’ or ‘DL’ configuration, depending on the final payload weight.
- Track Record: The PSLV has a success rate of over 95%, making it one of the world’s most reliable launchers.
ISRO Chairman’s Statement
Speaking to the press earlier today, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath hinted at a busy year ahead.
“2026 is going to be a year of ‘Heavy Lifts’ and ‘Human Spaceflight’ prep. We are starting with the PSLV-C62 to replenish our observation assets. The team is currently conducting final checks at the Vehicle Assembly Building.”
Where to Watch LIVE?
As always, the launch will be streamed live for millions of Indians.
- YouTube: ISRO Official Channel.
- TV: Doordarshan National (DD National).
- Website: isro.gov.in.
- Registration: The viewing gallery at Sriharikota will open for public registration from Jan 5.
FAQs: ISRO’s First 2026 Launch
A: January 10, 2026 (Saturday) at 09:30 AM IST (Subject to weather clearance).
A: Beyond defence, the data is used for accurate crop yield estimation, town planning, and real-time disaster warnings (cyclones/floods).
A: No. This is a satellite deployment mission. The Gaganyaan (Human Spaceflight) test flights are scheduled for later this year.
Disclaimer: Launch timings are tentative and subject to final “Launch Readiness Board” (LRB) clearance and weather conditions.
