In News : ISRO to launch PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 mission
Analysis
- ISRO is scheduled to launch the PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 mission on January 12, 2026, marking its first launch of 2026.
- The launch will take place from the First Launch Pad (FLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, at 10:17 a.m. IST.
- EOS-N1 is an Earth Observation (EO) imaging satellite, reportedly built for strategic purposes; ISRO has not disclosed detailed specifications.
- The mission assumes importance as it follows a previous PSLV setback: the PSLV-C61 / EOS-09 mission (May 18, 2025) failed due to an observation in the third stage of the rocket.
- The launch will be the 105th mission from Sriharikota, underlining the operational significance of SDSC SHAR in India’s space programme.
- PSLV-C62 will also carry payloads developed by Indian startups and academic institutions, reflecting ISRO’s increasing collaboration with the private sector and academia.
- The mission comes shortly after ISRO’s successful LVM-3 launch of the BlueBird Block-2 satellite (December 24, 2025), indicating continuity in launch operations across different launch vehicles.
Static Background (Relevant)
- PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle): ISRO’s workhorse rocket, primarily used for launching Earth observation satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits.
- Earth Observation Satellites: Used for applications such as surveillance, mapping, disaster management, agriculture, and strategic monitoring.
- Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota: India’s primary spaceport, hosting both PSLV and Gaganyaan/LVM-3 class launches.
Updated - 07 January 2026 ; 04:04 PM IST | News Source:
The Hindu