PSLV-C62 Mission: ISRO's Earth Observation Satellite Launch Countdown Begins
Summary
The countdown for the launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C62), carrying an earth observation satellite (EOS-N1) and 15 co-passenger satellites, commenced at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The ISRO is scheduled to launch the PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 Mission at @@10.17 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026@@, from the first launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This will be the @@105th launch from Sriharikota@@. The 15 co-passenger satellites have been developed by start-ups and academic institutions from India and abroad. The EOS-N1 satellite is said to have been built for strategic purposes.
Full Analysis
The countdown for the launch of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C62), carrying an earth observation satellite (EOS-N1) and 15 co-passenger satellites, commenced at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on Sunday, January 11, 2026. The ISRO is scheduled to launch the PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 Mission at @@10.17 a.m. on Monday, January 12, 2026@@, from the first launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This will be the @@105th launch from Sriharikota@@. The 15 co-passenger satellites have been developed by start-ups and academic institutions from India and abroad. The EOS-N1 satellite is said to have been built for strategic purposes.
Background Context
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has a rich history dating back to 1962, when it was initially established as the Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) by Jawaharlal Nehru. Dr. Vikram Sarabhai, considered the father of the Indian space program, played a pivotal role in its formation. INCOSPAR's primary focus was to conduct space research and utilize space technology for national development. In 1969, INCOSPAR was renamed ISRO, marking a significant step towards a more structured and independent space agency. Early efforts focused on sounding rockets and gradually progressed to satellite development and launch capabilities. The Aryabhata satellite, launched in 1975 with Soviet assistance, was a landmark achievement, demonstrating India's growing capabilities in space technology. The development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in the 1990s was a crucial milestone, providing India with a reliable and cost-effective means to launch satellites into polar orbits.
Current Developments
In recent years, ISRO has focused on enhancing its launch capabilities with the development of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) to cater to the growing demand for launching smaller satellites. The SSLV aims to provide a cost-effective and flexible launch solution for small satellites, including those developed by startups and academic institutions. ISRO is also actively involved in developing reusable launch vehicle technology to further reduce launch costs. The Gaganyaan mission, India's first human spaceflight program, is a major ongoing project, aiming to send astronauts into space using an indigenously developed spacecraft. Furthermore, ISRO is expanding its international collaborations, working with space agencies from other countries on joint missions and technology development. The focus on earth observation satellites continues, with advancements in sensor technology and data processing capabilities to provide more detailed and accurate information for various applications, including agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning.
Key Facts
- Launch date: January 12, 2026
- Mission: PSLV-C62/EOS-N1
- Total launches from Sriharikota: 105
Practice MCQs
Question 1
Consider the following statements regarding the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV):
1. PSLV is capable of launching satellites into Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO).
2. PSLV was first successfully launched in the 1990s.
3. PSLV can launch multiple satellites in a single mission.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Statement 1 is incorrect as PSLV is primarily used for launching satellites into polar orbits and Low Earth Orbits (LEO), not GTO. Statements 2 and 3 are correct.
Question 2
With reference to Earth Observation Satellites (EOS), which of the following applications is/are typically associated with them?
1. Weather forecasting
2. Disaster management
3. Military surveillance
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- 1 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2 and 3
Explanation: Earth Observation Satellites are used for a wide range of applications, including weather forecasting, disaster management, and military surveillance. All three statements are correct.
Question 3
Which of the following statements is NOT correct regarding the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)?
- It is located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
- It is the primary launch centre for ISRO.
- It houses multiple launch pads for different types of rockets.
- It was named after the first chairman of ISRO, Vikram Sarabhai.
Explanation: The Satish Dhawan Space Centre is named after Satish Dhawan, not Vikram Sarabhai. Satish Dhawan was a prominent Indian aerospace engineer and chairman of ISRO.
Mains Practice Questions
Question 1
Discuss the significance of Earth Observation Satellites (EOS) for India's socio-economic development. How can advancements in EOS technology contribute to addressing key challenges in areas such as agriculture, disaster management, and urban planning?
Previous Year Questions
PYQ 1 - UPSC Prelims 2014 2014
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)?
1. PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages.
2. PSLV has launched satellites for various countries, including India's Chandrayaan-1 and Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan).
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation: Both statements are correct. PSLV is a reliable launch vehicle with alternating solid and liquid stages and has been used for various important missions.
PYQ 2 - UPSC Mains 2022 2022
Discuss the significance of Earth Observation Satellites (EOS) in strategic and developmental applications. How can the data from EOS-N1, launched by PSLV-C62, contribute to India's national security and resource management?
PYQ 3 - SSC CGL 2023 2023
The PSLV-C62 mission was launched from which space center?
- (a) Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
- (b) Satish Dhawan Space Centre
- (c) Space Applications Centre
- (d) National Remote Sensing Centre
Explanation: The PSLV-C62 mission was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
PYQ 4 - SSC CHSL 2023 2023
What is the primary payload of the PSLV-C62 mission?
- (a) Communication satellite
- (b) Earth observation satellite (EOS-N1)
- (c) Navigation satellite
- (d) Weather satellite
Explanation: The primary payload of the PSLV-C62 mission is the Earth observation satellite (EOS-N1).
PYQ 5 - IBPS PO 2023 2023
The PSLV-C62 mission included how many co-passenger satellites?
Explanation: The PSLV-C62 mission included 15 co-passenger satellites.
PYQ 6 - SBI PO 2023 2023
The co-passenger satellites in the PSLV-C62 mission were developed by which entities?
- (a) Government research organizations only
- (b) Start-ups and academic institutions from India and abroad
- (c) Private companies only
- (d) ISRO only
Explanation: The co-passenger satellites were developed by start-ups and academic institutions from India and abroad.
PYQ 7 - CDS 2023 2023
The EOS-N1 satellite launched by PSLV-C62 is primarily built for what purpose?
- (a) Agricultural monitoring
- (b) Weather forecasting
- (c) Disaster management
- (d) Strategic purposes
Explanation: The EOS-N1 satellite is said to have been built for strategic purposes.
PYQ 8 - CDS 2023 2023
What is the total number of launches from Sriharikota as of the PSLV-C62 mission?
- (a) 100
- (b) 102
- (c) 104
- (d) 105
Explanation: This will be the 105th launch from Sriharikota.