The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully began its 2026 space launch schedule with the lift-off of the PSLV-C62 mission on January 12, 2026. The rocket took off at 10:18 AM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, carrying 16 satellites into space.
This launch marked the 64th flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which is widely known as ISRO’s most dependable launch vehicle. While the launch sequence and flight performance were smooth, ISRO has said that the final confirmation of satellite deployment is still awaited due to a small deviation noticed during the mission.
A Strong Start to India’s Space Calendar
The PSLV-C62 mission is seen as an important step in maintaining India’s steady presence in the global space sector. Over the years, PSLV has earned a strong reputation for launching satellites accurately and at a competitive cost. As a result, many international customers and private companies choose ISRO for launching small and medium-sized satellites.
This mission also reflects India’s growing ambitions in space, especially as more countries and private firms enter the satellite launch market.
Rocket Configuration and Technical Details
ISRO used the PSLV-C62/DL configuration for this mission. The rocket weighed around 260 tonnes at lift-off and was equipped with two strap-on boosters to provide additional thrust in the initial phase of the flight.
This configuration is suitable for missions that require high precision, particularly when placing satellites into polar and sun-synchronous orbits. Such orbits are commonly used for Earth observation and surveillance satellites.
Primary Payload: EOS-N1 (Anvesha)
The main satellite onboard PSLV-C62 was EOS-N1, also called Anvesha. It has been developed to meet the maritime surveillance and Earth observation needs of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
The satellite is expected to support:
- Monitoring of India’s coastal and ocean regions
- Tracking of ship movements
- Environmental observation
- Support for national security operations
Earth observation satellites like Anvesha also play a key role during natural disasters, such as cyclones and floods, by providing timely and accurate data to authorities.
Co-Passenger Satellites from Multiple Countries
Along with EOS-N1, the rocket carried 15 co-passenger satellites. These satellites were developed by a mix of:
- Indian space startups
- Universities and research institutions
- International space organizations
One notable satellite was Spain’s Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID). This satellite is designed to test reusable space technologies, which are becoming increasingly important as space agencies aim to reduce mission costs and improve sustainability.
All the satellites were intended to be placed in a sun-synchronous polar orbit at an altitude ranging from 200 to 500 kilometres above Earth.
Role of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)
The PSLV-C62 mission was managed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm. This launch marked NSIL’s ninth commercial rideshare mission, underlining India’s shift toward greater private sector participation in space activities.
Through NSIL, ISRO provides launch opportunities to small satellite developers who cannot afford dedicated launches. This approach helps promote innovation and supports the growth of India’s private space industry.
Deployment Status Under Review
Although the launch itself was successful, ISRO officials confirmed that the deployment of satellites has not yet been confirmed. A minor flight deviation was observed, and mission data is currently being reviewed.
ISRO follows strict post-launch evaluation procedures, and officials are expected to release a detailed update once the analysis is complete. Such reviews help ensure transparency and improve the reliability of future missions.
Why the PSLV-C62 Mission Is Important
The PSLV-C62 launch is significant for several reasons:
- It opens India’s space activities for 2026
- It supports defence and surveillance capabilities
- It strengthens commercial and international cooperation
- It highlights India’s role as a reliable launch service provider
Even as deployment confirmation is awaited, the mission demonstrates ISRO’s technical strength and its commitment to advancing India’s space programme.
Looking Ahead
ISRO has several missions planned for the coming months, including Earth observation satellites, scientific payloads, and commercial launches. As competition in the space sector increases, missions like PSLV-C62 show how India continues to balance innovation, reliability, and affordability.
The space agency is expected to share further updates on the PSLV-C62 mission once all data has been thoroughly reviewed.