ISRO to Launch PSLV-C62 Mission Carrying EOS-N1 and 18 Payloads

ISRO to Launch PSLV-C62 Mission Carrying EOS-N1 and 18 Payloads

Why in News? 

On Monday, January 12, 2026, ISRO will launch the PSLV-C62 mission from Sriharikota spaceport. This launch will deploy the advanced EOS-N1 surveillance satellite along with 18 diverse payloads, marking another significant stride in India’s expanding space capabilities.

Highlights of the ISRO PSLV-C62 Mission 

• About: The PSLV-C62 mission is an upcoming launch by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) using its trusted Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) in the DL configuration with two solid strap-on boosters. This flight marks the 64th PSLV mission.

• Launch: ISRO plans to launch PSLV-C62 on Monday, 12 January 2026. The scheduled liftoff is at 10:17 AM Indian Standard Time (IST) from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. 

• Objectives: The central objective of the PSLV-C62 mission is to deploy the EOS-N1 satellite and to demonstrate reliable multi-satellite deployment and strengthen India’s commercial launch services operated through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). 

• Payloads on Board: The mission carries 19 satellites in total: 1 primary satellite (EOS-N1) and 18 co-passenger payloads from Indian and international customers. Aside from EOS-N1, key payloads include:

• • EOS-N1 Satellite: EOS-N1 is designed for advanced Earth observation and in future it will support spatial data needs for defence and agriculture.
  • Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID) – A small experimental re-entry technology demonstrator from a Spanish startup. This 25-kg capsule will detach after primary deployment and re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere.
  • AayulSAT – An in-orbit satellite refuelling experiment by an Indian company, aimed at advancing on-orbit servicing technologies.
  • Multiple Small Satellites – These include CubeSats and microsatellites from domestic startups and universities (e.g., MOI-1 by TakeMe2Space with a compact space telescope, CGUSat, DSUSat, LACHIT, SanskarSat) and international payloads from countries such as Brazil, Nepal, Thailand/UK, and others.

India’s Advanced Earth Observation Satellite “EOS-N1”

• About: EOS-N1 is a new Earth observation satellite developed for India’s space programme. It is also known by the operational name Anvesha. The satellite is designed to collect detailed information about the Earth’s surface from orbit. 

• Development: The satellite is built under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) for strategic purposes. The work on the satellite involved multiple Indian research institutions and industry partners.

• Purpose: EOS-N1 is an Earth observation satellite built mainly for strategic surveillance and remote sensing. It will support defence agencies with space-based monitoring of borders and terrain. The satellite will also assist civilian needs like agriculture, land mapping, and environment monitoring.

• Features: 

• • It uses hyperspectral imaging payload. This sensor can capture reflected light across hundreds of narrow spectral bands that extend beyond what normal optical cameras detect.
  • The satellite’s hyperspectral data enables identification of camouflaged or concealed military assets like vehicles or infrastructure. This improves intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) beyond traditional imaging satellites.
  • It will operate in a Sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 505 kilometres above Earth’s surface. 

Significance of the ISRO PSLV-C62 Mission

• Commercial Space Sector Growth: The PSLV-C62 mission strengthens India’s commercial space industry by carrying 15 co-passenger satellites from domestic and international customers under the NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) launch programme. This launch is the 9th dedicated commercial mission by NSIL and highlights India’s role as a reliable launch provider for small and medium satellites. This expands the ecosystem for Indian private companies to develop satellite technologies.

• National Security and Surveillance: The primary satellite, EOS-N1 (Anvesha), is built to enhance India’s strategic space-based surveillance infrastructure. This aids in identifying concealed objects, analysing terrain changes, and improving border and coastal monitoring. Improved space surveillance strengthens situational awareness for defence agencies and supports rapid response planning. The mission therefore directly contributes to national security systems.

• PSLV’s Proven Reliability: The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is known as ISRO’s workhorse launcher with a decades-long history of dependable performance. PSLV has enabled landmark missions including Chandrayaan-1 (2008), Mars Orbiter Mission (2013), and Aditya-L1 (2023), besides numerous commercial deployments. A successful C62 launch will reaffirm PSLV’s reliability for multi-satellite deployment.

• Boost to Global Cooperation: PSLV-C62 carries satellites from multiple countries and organisations, including technology demonstrators and research satellites. One notable co-payload is the Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID) from a Spanish start-up, demonstrating a prototype re-entry technology. The rideshare model fosters cooperation between India and international partners in space research, technology testing, and scientific missions. This strengthens diplomatic ties and positions India as a collaborative hub in the global space community.