Countdown Begins for One of ISRO’s Longest PSLV Missions

Chennai, Jan 11: The countdown for one of ISRO’s longest-ever Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) missions will begin at around 12.18 pm today, officials said. The PSLV-C62 mission, carrying 16 satellites, is scheduled to lift off at about 10.18 am on Monday from the first launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

The 22-hour countdown will precede the launch of PSLV-C62, which will place a strategic hyperspectral Earth observation satellite, EOS-N1 (Anvesha), developed by DRDO, along with 15 Indian and foreign small satellites, into orbit. The mission, undertaken commercially by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), is India’s first space launch of 2026.

The 108-minute-long flight is among the longest undertaken by a PSLV. Around 17 minutes after liftoff, EOS-N1 and 14 co-passengers will be injected into a 511-km orbit. EOS-N1’s advanced hyperspectral sensors will significantly enhance surveillance capabilities by detecting camouflaged assets, troop movements and military equipment.

Later in the mission, the PSLV’s fourth stage will be restarted for a de-boost manoeuvre to enable controlled re-entry. Among the notable payloads is AyulSat, an in-orbit refuelling technology demonstrator by Indian firm OrbitAid, and the Spanish KID re-entry capsule, which will transmit data before atmospheric re-entry.

The mission assumes significance following recent launch failures, with ISRO aiming for a flawless return to success.