The PSLV-C62 mission is set to be India's first space launch of 2026, scheduled for January 12, 2026, at 10:17 AM IST. This mission is particularly significant as it marks a "return to flight" for the PSLV workhorse after a rare failure (PSLV-C61) in mid-2025.
Here is a breakdown of what makes this mission a major event for the Tech, Space, and Army sectors:
🛰️ The Primary Payload: EOS-N1 (Anvesha)
The star of the mission is EOS-N1, codenamed Anvesha. Developed by the DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation), it is an advanced hyperspectral imaging satellite.
* Military Edge: Unlike standard cameras, hyperspectral imaging captures hundreds of wavelengths of light. This allows the Indian Army to identify materials on the ground—meaning it can differentiate between real vegetation and camouflage netting or identify specific metallic alloys used in enemy tanks.
* Civilian Use: While primary use is strategic surveillance, it will also monitor crop health, mineral deposits, and environmental changes with extreme precision.
⛽ AayulSAT: India's First "Petrol Pump" in Space
In a historic first for the Indian private sector, the Bengaluru startup OrbitAID Aerospace is launching AayulSAT.
* The Goal: To test on-orbit refueling. If successful, this technology will allow satellites to be refilled with fuel while in orbit, potentially extending their lifespan from 5 years to 15+ years.
* Sustainability: This is a major step toward reducing space debris, as satellites won't have to be abandoned just because they ran out of fuel.
☄️ The KID Re-entry Experiment
The mission includes a unique "controlled destruction" experiment.
* Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID): A 25kg capsule from a Spanish startup will stay attached to the PSLV's fourth stage (PS4).
* The Maneuver: After deploying all satellites, ISRO will restart the rocket's engine to push the stage back toward Earth. The KID capsule will then separate and test its ability to survive a high-speed atmospheric re-entry before splashing down in the South Pacific Ocean.
📊 Mission Quick Facts
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Launch Vehicle | PSLV-DL (64th flight of PSLV) |
| Total Payloads | 19 (1 Primary + 18 Co-passengers) |
| Orbit Type | Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit (~505 km) |
| Commercial Side | Managed by NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) |
| Global Partners | Includes satellites from the UK, Brazil, Luxembourg, and UAE |
Would you like me to set a reminder for the launch morning, or shall I find the link to the live stream for you?
