ISRO to Launch PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 Mission on January 12, 2026 from Sriharikota
New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for the launch of the PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 mission, scheduled for January 12, 2026 at 10:17 AM IST from the First Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
This mission will mark the 64th flight of PSLV, India's most reliable and successful launch vehicle.
The mission is being carried out by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) and represents the ninth dedicated commercial mission to build and launch an Earth Observation satellite. Along with the primary payload EOS-N1, the rocket will also deploy 15 co-passenger satellites from both Indian and international customers.
The launch will use the PSLV-DL variant, which is equipped with two solid strap-on motors, enabling the vehicle to carry multiple satellites to precise orbits.
A special highlight of this mission is the demonstration of the Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator (KID), developed by a Spanish startup. KID is a small-scale prototype of a future re-entry vehicle. It will be the final payload deployed and is expected to re-enter the Earth's atmosphere before making a controlled splashdown in the South Pacific Ocean. This experiment is an important step toward advanced space transportation and reusable vehicle technologies.
According to ISRO officials, the integration of the launch vehicle and satellites has been successfully completed, and the mission is currently undergoing final pre-launch checks. All systems are reported to be functioning normally as the countdown progresses.
PSLV, known as the workhorse of ISRO, has built a strong reputation for reliability over the years. It has previously launched major missions such as Chandrayaan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), Aditya-L1, and Astrosat. In 2017, PSLV created a world record by launching 104 satellites in a single mission, a milestone that placed India at the forefront of the global space launch market.
The upcoming PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 mission further strengthens India’s role as a trusted commercial launch provider while expanding the nation’s Earth observation capabilities for environmental monitoring, disaster management, urban planning, and national security.
As the launch date approaches, excitement continues to build within the scientific community and the public alike, as ISRO prepares to write another successful chapter in India’s space journey.
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