Isro Gears Up for First Launch of 2026 with PSLV-C62 Mission
According to sources in Isro, ‘Anvesha’ is equipped with hyperspectral imaging capabilities
Nellore: The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is preparing for its first mission of 2026 with the 62nd launch of its workhorse rocket PSLV, on January 12. The rocket carrying ‘Anvesha’, the earth observation satellite (EOS-N1), and 18 co-passenger payloads will lift off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota at 10.17 am.
According to sources in Isro, ‘Anvesha’ is equipped with hyperspectral imaging capabilities. The satellite has been developed for strategic purposes, including national security and surveillance.
The mission comes less than three weeks of the launch of the heaviest satellite from Indian soil, the 6,100-kg BlueBird Block2, aboard a ‘Bahubali’ LVM rocket.
Isro has also said that spectators can witness the launch from the launch view gallery at Sriharikota. Registrations can be done on the Isro website.
The mission will be carried out by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), often called India’s workhorse launch vehicle. In this flight, PSLV will fly with two strap-on motors and place Anvesha into its designated orbit.
Over the years, PSLV has built a strong reputation by launching satellites for both Indian and international customers. Some of its most celebrated missions include Chandrayaan-1 in 2008, India’s first mission to the Moon, and the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) in 2013.
PSLV comes in different variants, using six, four, or two solid strap-on motors to boost thrust in the XL, QL, and DL versions. The core-alone version (PSLV-CA) flies without any strap-on motors.
Isro chairman Dr V. Narayanan had hinted at the upcoming PSLV launch after the successful LVM3-M6 mission on December 24, 2025, from Sriharikota, setting the stage for a strong start to India’s space activities in the new year.
