ISRO Chairman Offers Prayers at Tirumala Ahead of PSLV-C62 Launch
Isro sources said a 22-hour countdown for the PSLV-C62 launch will commence at 12.17 pm on Sunday.
Nellore:Ahead of Isro’s first rocket launch of 2026, Isro chairman Dr V. Narayanan, along with senior scientists, offered special prayers at the Tirumala temple on Saturday, seeking the blessings of Lord Venkateswara for the success of the PSLV-C62 mission scheduled for January 12.
Speaking to the media after the darshan, Dr Narayanan said the PSLV-C62 mission, to be launched from Sriharikota at 10.17 am, will carry India’s advanced Earth Observation Satellite EOS-N1 along with 15 co-passenger satellites, including eight foreign satellites.
He said this would be the first launch of 2026 and the 64th mission of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). With this launch, the total number of foreign satellites launched from Indian soil will rise to 442.
Dr Narayanan stated that EOS-N1 would be used for strategic and advanced earth observation applications, strengthening India’s space-based capabilities.
Earlier, the Isro chairman and his team also offered prayers at Sri Kalahasteeswara Swamy temple in Srikalahasti and Sri Changala Parameswari temple in Sullurpeta. At Srikalahasti, the scientists were accorded antaralaya darshan and Vedic blessings. Temple Trust Board chairman Kotte Sai Prasad, members Gurrappa Shetty, Pagadala Murali, Gopinath and officials welcomed the Isro team and presented teertha prasadam and temple mementos.
Isro sources said a 22-hour countdown for the PSLV-C62 launch will commence at 12.17 pm on Sunday.
The mission is expected to further reinforce India’s reputation as a trusted global launch service provider.