Chennai, Jan 12 (UNI) India’s space agency is gearing up for one of the longest flights undertaken by its reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), with the PSLV-C62 mission scheduled for liftoff at 10:18 am today from the first launch pad at Sriharikota.
The countdown began on Sunday and is progressing smoothly, an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) official said on condition of anonymity.
The mission will deploy 16 satellites into orbit-including India’s latest surveillance satellite-making it a complex, multi-payload launch.
Designated PSLV-C62, the rocket will carry a strategic earth observation satellite developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), along with 15 smaller satellites from Indian and international customers.
This is India’s first space launch of 2026 and is expected to last about 108 minutes, placing it among the one of the longest-duration PSLV missions. With this launch, the total number of foreign satellites placed in orbit by Indian launch vehicles is set to rise to 442, all on a commercial basis.
The mission is being executed by NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm. The primary payload is DRDO’s Anvesha satellite, also known as EOS-N1, a hyperspectral earth observation platform.
Anvesha is equipped with advanced hyperspectral sensors that can capture hundreds of narrow spectral bands per pixel. This capability allows analysts to identify materials and objects not visible to the naked eye. In defence applications, such technology enhances the detection of camouflaged military assets, troop movements, vehicles, and concealed weapons.
The launch carries added significance for ISRO following a series of setbacks in recent years.
On May 18, 2025, PSLV-C61 failed mid-flight while carrying EOS-09, resulting in losses estimated at Rs.850 crore. Earlier, on January 29, 2025, GSLV-F15 failed to deploy the NVS-02 navigation satellite into its intended orbit due to a pyro valve malfunction, causing losses of around Rs.300 crore. Previous failures, including GISAT-1 in 2021 and IRNSS-1H in 2017, also imposed substantial financial and opportunity costs.
For Monday’s mission, ISRO is using the PSLV’s DL variant, which features two strap-on booster motors. This configuration was first flown in January 2019 for the launch of Microsat-R.
The PSLV is a four-stage launch vehicle that uses alternating solid and liquid propulsion stages and, in its standard configuration, employs six strap-on boosters during liftoff.
During the countdown, liquid propellants will be loaded and all onboard systems will undergo extensive checks and monitoring.
Roughly 16 minutes into the flight, the fourth-stage engine will shut down and coast briefly. About a minute later, Anvesha/EOS-N1 and 14 co-passenger satellites will be deployed into orbit at an altitude of approximately 511 km.
Among the secondary payloads is AyulSat, a technology demonstration satellite developed by Indian startup OrbitAid. The satellite is a prototype in-orbit refuelling system designed to extend satellite lifespans, lower mission costs, and help mitigate space debris.
Later in the mission, the PSLV’s fourth stage will be restarted to modify its orbit for atmospheric reentry. About 88 minutes after engine cut-off, the stage will perform a de-boost manoeuvre, carrying the Spanish Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator (KID) capsule developed by startup Orbital Paradigm.
The KID capsule, which is not equipped with a parachute and will not be recovered, will transmit payload data before reentering Earth’s atmosphere. It serves as a precursor to a reusable cargo capsule capable of carrying up to 120 kg and remaining in orbit for up to three months.
ISRO said the KID capsule will be ejected at an altitude of around 504 km roughly 108 minutes after liftoff. Both the capsule and the PSLV fourth stage are expected to reenter the atmosphere and impact the South Pacific Ocean.
