The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for its first orbital mission of the year with the PSLV-C62 launch scheduled for January 12, 2026, at 10:17 IST from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota.
This marks the 64th flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), often dubbed India’s space workhorse, and serves as a return-to-flight mission following the PSLV-C61.
The primary payload for this mission is the EOS-N1, a hyperspectral Earth observation satellite designed for advanced environmental monitoring. Hyperspectral imaging allows the satellite to capture data across a wide spectrum of wavelengths, enabling detailed analysis of vegetation health, soil composition, water quality, and climate change indicators. This capability will significantly enhance India’s efforts in disaster management, agriculture, and resource mapping.
Accompanying EOS-N1 are 18 secondary payloads, including rideshare satellites from various global partners, showcasing the PSLV’s cost-effective reliability with an impressive success rate exceeding 90% over its previous 63 launches.
The PSLV-C62 will fly in its core-alone configuration, optimized for placing satellites into low Earth orbit. The launch window aligns with optimal orbital insertion parameters for the EOS-N1, which is expected to operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at approximately 650 km altitude.
In a bid to engage the public, ISRO has opened registrations for viewing the launch from the Launch View Gallery at SDSC SHAR. Visitors can register online via the official link, requiring a valid government ID, mobile number, and email. For groups from institutes, an official letter is mandatory.
As the countdown begins, all eyes are on Sriharikota for what promises to be a flawless execution, further cementing ISRO’s position as a key player in the international space arena.
