India’s space programme is preparing for a fresh start to the new year, with ISRO lining up its first orbital mission of 2026 after a challenging end to the previous launch calendar.
The Indian Space Research Organisation is scheduled to launch the PSLV-C62 mission on January 12, 2026, at 10:17 AM IST. The mission will lift off from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
This flight will mark the 64th mission of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle and the 5th use of the PSLV-DL configuration, which features 2 strap-on boosters.
The primary payload onboard PSLV-C62 is EOS-N1, also known as Anvesha. The Earth observation satellite is designed to strengthen India’s remote sensing capabilities, supporting applications in agriculture, urban mapping, and environmental monitoring.
In addition to the main satellite, the mission will deploy 18 co-passenger payloads from India and international partners, making it a major multi-satellite launch.
Among the notable payloads is AayulSAT, developed by Bengaluru-based OrbitAID Aerospace. The satellite is described as India’s first on-orbit refuelling mission and is seen as an important step toward reusable and sustainable satellite operations.
Hyderabad-based TakeMe2Space and EON Space will jointly launch MOI-1, a 14-kilogram satellite capable of Earth imaging with onboard artificial intelligence-based data processing, highlighting the use of edge computing in space.
The mission also carries the Indo-Mauritius Joint Satellite, underlining growing space cooperation between India and Mauritius. From Spain, Orbital Paradigm will fly the Kestrel Initial Demonstrator, a 25-kilogram reentry capsule aimed at testing low-cost recovery systems for microgravity research and sample return missions.
PSLV-C62 is particularly significant as it marks the return to flight after the failure of the PSLV-C61 mission in late 2025. It will be ISRO’s 101st orbital launch overall and the first orbital mission of 2026.
A successful flight is expected to reaffirm PSLV’s reputation as a reliable workhorse for small and medium satellite launches while strengthening India’s private and international space partnerships.
Also read: Viksit Workforce for a Viksit Bharat
Do Follow: The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News LinkedIn Account | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Facebook | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Youtube | The Mainstream formerly known as CIO News Twitter
About us:
The Mainstream is a premier platform delivering the latest updates and informed perspectives across the technology business and cyber landscape. Built on research-driven, thought leadership and original intellectual property, The Mainstream also curates summits & conferences that convene decision makers to explore how technology reshapes industries and leadership. With a growing presence in India and globally across the Middle East, Africa, ASEAN, the USA, the UK and Australia, The Mainstream carries a vision to bring the latest happenings and insights to 8.2 billion people and to place technology at the centre of conversation for leaders navigating the future.
