The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has made a strong start to India’s 2026 space launch calendar with the successful lift-off of the PSLV-C62 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, on January 12, 2026.
The launch took place at 10:18 AM IST, marking the 64th flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), which has long been considered the backbone of India’s space programme. While the launch itself was successful, ISRO has stated that the deployment status of the satellites is yet to be confirmed due to a deviation observed during the flight.
A Powerful Lift-Off to Start the Year
PSLV-C62 roared into space carrying a total of 16 satellites, demonstrating India’s continued commitment to space exploration, national security, and commercial satellite services. The mission was seen as a key step in strengthening India’s presence in the global space economy, which is becoming increasingly competitive.
The PSLV-C62 mission was also expected to showcase ISRO’s ability to deliver cost-effective and reliable launch services, particularly for commercial and international customers.
Rocket Configuration and Technical Details
The mission used the PSLV-C62/DL configuration, a proven variant of the PSLV series. The rocket had a lift-off mass of around 260 tonnes and was equipped with two strap-on boosters, which provided additional thrust during the early stages of the flight.
This configuration is commonly used for missions that require precise orbital placement, especially for Earth observation and surveillance satellites.
Primary Payload: EOS-N1 (Anvesha)
The main satellite onboard was EOS-N1, also known as Anvesha. The satellite has been developed to support the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is designed for maritime surveillance and Earth observation.
EOS-N1 is expected to play an important role in:
- Monitoring India’s vast maritime zones
- Supporting national security operations
- Improving Earth observation capabilities
- Enhancing situational awareness over coastal and ocean regions
Such satellites are critical for tracking ship movements, monitoring illegal activities at sea, and supporting disaster management efforts.
Co-Passenger Satellites from India and Abroad
In addition to the primary payload, PSLV-C62 carried 15 co-passenger satellites. These satellites came from a mix of:
- Indian private startups
- Academic institutions and universities
- International partners
One of the notable international payloads was Spain’s Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID) satellite. This satellite is designed to test reusable space technology, an area that is gaining increasing importance as space agencies and private companies work to reduce launch costs.
The inclusion of these satellites highlights ISRO’s growing role as a preferred launch provider for small satellite missions across the world.
Target Orbit and Mission Profile
The satellites were intended to be placed into a sun-synchronous polar orbit at an altitude ranging between 200 and 500 kilometres above Earth. This type of orbit is especially useful for Earth observation satellites because it allows them to pass over the same area of the Earth at the same local solar time.
Such consistency is essential for:
- High-quality imaging
- Environmental monitoring
- Climate studies
- Surveillance and reconnaissance missions
Role of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)
The PSLV-C62 mission was managed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm. This was NSIL’s ninth commercial rideshare mission, reflecting India’s strategic push toward greater private sector participation in space activities.
Through NSIL, ISRO aims to:
- Expand commercial launch services
- Support Indian space startups
- Attract international customers
- Strengthen India’s position in the global launch market
Deployment Status Under Review
Although the launch and flight performance of PSLV-C62 were successful, ISRO has confirmed that final confirmation of satellite deployment is still pending. According to officials, a flight deviation was observed, and mission data is currently being analyzed.
ISRO is expected to provide a detailed post-launch update once the analysis is complete. Such reviews are standard practice and help improve mission reliability and future performance.
Importance of the Mission
The PSLV-C62 mission is significant for several reasons:
- It opens ISRO’s 2026 launch schedule
- It supports national defence and surveillance needs
- It strengthens India’s commercial space capabilities
- It reinforces PSLV’s reputation as a dependable launch vehicle
Despite the pending deployment confirmation, the mission underlines ISRO’s continued focus on innovation, reliability, and global collaboration.
Looking Ahead
As India’s space sector continues to grow, missions like PSLV-C62 highlight the country’s ambition to become a major global space hub. The coming months will be crucial as ISRO prepares for more launches involving advanced satellites, human spaceflight programs, and deeper private sector involvement.
All eyes are now on ISRO’s upcoming announcement regarding the final deployment status of the satellites onboard PSLV-C62.