The countdown for the PSLV mission, which will place 16 satellites into orbit, began on Sunday afternoon and is progressing smoothly, an Indian Space Research\u00a0Organisation\u00a0(ISRO) official said, requesting anonymity.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The rocket, designated PSLV-C62, will carry a strategic earth observation satellite developed by the\u00a0Defence\u00a0Research and Development\u00a0Organisation\u00a0(DRDO), along with 15 smaller satellites belonging to Indian and international customers.<\/p>\n
This mission marks India\u2019s first space launch of 2026 and is expected to last about\u00a0108 minutes\u2014one of the longest flights for a PSLV. If successful, India\u2019s tally of foreign satellites launched using its rockets will rise to 442, all on a commercial basis.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The mission is fully commercial and is being executed by\u00a0NewSpace\u00a0India Ltd (NSIL), ISRO\u2019s commercial arm. The primary payload is DRDO\u2019s Anvesha, also known as EOS-N1, a hyperspectral earth observation satellite.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Anvesha is equipped with advanced hyperspectral sensors capable of capturing hundreds of narrow spectral bands per pixel, enabling the detection and identification of materials invisible to the naked eye. In strategic applications, the technology allows for improved surveillance of camouflaged military assets, troop movements, vehicles, concealed weapons, and other\u00a0defence-related targets.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The launch assumes added importance following a series of setbacks in recent years. On May 18, 2025, PSLV-C61 failed mid-flight while carrying EOS-09, resulting in losses estimated at Rs 850 crore. Earlier, on January 29, 2025, GSLV-F15\u00a0failed to\u00a0place the NVS-02 navigation satellite into its intended orbit due to a pyro valve malfunction, causing losses of about Rs 300 crore.\u00a0Additional\u00a0failures in previous years included GISAT-1 in 2021 and IRNSS-1H in 2017, together contributing to significant financial and opportunity costs.\u00a0<\/p>\n
For Monday\u2019s launch, ISRO will use the PSLV\u2019s DL variant, which features two strap-on booster motors. This configuration was first flown in January 2019 to launch the\u00a0Microsat-R satellite. In its standard form, the PSLV is a four-stage rocket using alternating solid and liquid propulsion, typically aided by six strap-on boosters during lift-off.\u00a0<\/p>\n
During the countdown, liquid propellants will be\u00a0loaded\u00a0and all onboard systems will be thoroughly checked and\u00a0monitored.\u00a0<\/p>\n
About 16 minutes into the flight, the rocket\u2019s fourth-stage engine will shut down and coast briefly. Around 17 minutes after lift-off, Anvesha\/EOS-N1 and 14 co-passenger satellites will be deployed into orbit at an altitude of about\u00a0511 km.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Among the payloads is AyulSat, a technology demonstration satellite developed by Indian startup OrbitAid. Designed as a prototype in-orbit\u00a0refuelling\u00a0system, AyulSat aims to extend satellite lifespans, reduce mission costs, and help curb space debris.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The PSLV\u2019s fourth stage will later be restarted to alter its orbit for atmospheric reentry. About 88 minutes after engine cut-off, the stage will perform a de-boost\u00a0manoeuvre, carrying with it the Spanish Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator (KID) capsule developed by startup Orbital Paradigm.\u00a0<\/p>\n
KID, which does not have a parachute and will not be recovered, will\u00a0transmit\u00a0payload data before reentering Earth\u2019s atmosphere. The system is intended as a precursor to a reusable cargo capsule capable of carrying up to\u00a0120 kg\u00a0and\u00a0remaining\u00a0in orbit for up to three months.\u00a0<\/p>\n
According to ISRO, the KID capsule will be ejected at an altitude of about\u00a0504\u00a0km\u00a0roughly\u00a0108\u00a0minutes\u00a0after lift-off. Both the capsule and the PSLV fourth stage are expected to reenter Earth\u2019s atmosphere and\u00a0impact\u00a0the South Pacific Ocean.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Image Credit: ISRO<\/p>\n
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Published by Venkatachari Jagannathan\u00a0<\/p>\n
V.Jagannathan (Byline Venkatachari Jagannathan), is a freelance journalist based in Chennai, India covering the country\u2019s space, nuclear, insurance, automobile and several other industries. Jagannathan was with IANS newswire, one of India\u2019s premier news agencies and his articles \u2013 news, news analysis, interviews, profiles and others- on various sectors were published in several leading print, online publications within and outside India. He was also with India\u2019s first online business magazine www.domain-b.com. A school and college chess player Jagannathan also writes about Indian chess and has covered World Chess Championships, Chess Olympiads and others.<\/p>\n