ISRO to launch PSLV-C62 mission on January 12, 2026 strengthening India’s space surveillance and global partnerships

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to kick-start its year-long endeavours in 2026 with the PSLV-C62 satellite on January 12 at 10:17 am IST from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The satellite is an exemplar of India's increasing prowess in the field of satellite launching, scientific innovation, and international partnerships. It carries a high-resolution earth observation satellite named EOS-N1, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), to upgrade India's surveillance network significantly. Along with this satellite, other payloads like Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID), a mini satellite developed by a Spanish start-up, and a total of 17 international and domestic commercial satellites will also be sent aboard this mission successfully.The PSLV-C62 will employ the reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), the workhorse of ISRO's launch vehicle fleet, which has established a record of accurately placing a satellite in orbit. The launch will take place from the First Launch Pad (FLP) at the SDSC SHAR range. The project exemplifies the synergy of the strategic and commercial needs of the nation and the competition from the global satellite launch industry. The EOS-N1 is the main payload of the mission and was designed by DRDO. It is designed to be a tool for strategic reconnaissance and high-resolution imaging. The satellite is expected to enhance the country's space-based surveillance capability to a great extent. It will ensure that the country can monitor important regions of the globe and that the country's security projects are also supported.Besides the EOS-N1, the PSLV-C62 mission also carries the Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID), which is a small satellite developed by a Spanish startup. KID would be orbited and would stay connected to the PS-4 stage of the PSLV. In addition, the PSLV-C62 mission carries a total of 17 commercial satellites from Indian startups and research organizations, along with others from Mauritius, Luxembourg, UAE, Singapore, Europe, and the USA. These satellites show the increasing use of the services provided by the ISRO for space commercial activities.The space enthusiasts can attend the launch personally at the Launch View Gallery in SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota. The ISRO has advised people to register online at “lvg.shar.gov.in,” where one will need to possess either an Aadhar ID, driver’s license, and a functional mobile number and email ID. The project enables citizens to experience the excitement of a rocket launch firsthand and become a part of the space program of India.The PSLV C62 mission is a balance of strategic national requirements and global ambitions in the commercial space. It again helps to establish ISRO’s accuracy, dependability, and flexibility in orbiting satellites. With the strategic defence satellite and other global payloads for commerce, the mission reiterates India's increasing capabilities in the defence and space commerce arena. It also symbolizes a positive beginning to 2026, with India's continued advancement in this rapidly expanding era of space.