The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to begin its 2026 launch schedule with the PSLV-C62 mission, scheduled for January 12 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This mission marks the 64th flight of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).
The primary payload of the mission is an Earth Observation Satellite, designed to enhance capabilities in areas such as environmental monitoring, agriculture assessment, urban planning, disaster management and strategic applications. The satellite will be placed into a sun synchronous polar orbit, which is ideal for consistent Earth imaging.
In addition to the main satellite, PSLV-C62 will carry multiple co-passenger payloads, including small satellites and technology demonstration missions from Indian institutions and international partners. These payloads represent a mix of scientific research, academic experiments, and commercial objectives.
Pre-launch activities, including vehicle integration and final system checks, are currently underway at Sriharikota. A countdown of around 25 hours is expected to precede the launch.
The mission is significant as ISRO’s first launch of 2026, highlighting continued momentum in India’s space programme. It also reflects ISRO’s growing collaboration with startups, educational institutions and global partners, while further strengthening India’s Earth observation and space technology capabilities.
If successful, the PSLV-C62 mission will add to ISRO’s long track record of reliable launches using the PSLV platform.
