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12 January 2026|The Hindu
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Science & TechnologyNEWS

PSLV-C62 Mission: ISRO's Earth Observation Satellite Launch Countdown Begins

PSLV-C62 mission to launch EOS-N1 and 15 co-passenger satellites.

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.

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.

Key Facts

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Launch date: January 12, 2026

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Mission: PSLV-C62/EOS-N1

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Total launches from Sriharikota: 105

Latest 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.

1 Key Concept to Understand

This article covers important concepts like Earth Observation Satellite (EOS). Understanding these will help you answer exam questions better.

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