Sriharikota, 8/1 : The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised to open its 2026 launch calendar with a high-stakes strategic mission, scheduled to lift off from the spaceport here next week. In a significant boost to the nation’s surveillance capabilities, the reliable Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) will deploy the advanced Earth Observation Satellite EOS-N1, codenamed ‘Anvesha’, on January 12.
The 64th flight of the PSLV, designated PSLV-C62, is slated for liftoff at 10:17 AM IST from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR). The mission will utilize the PSLV-DL variant, characterized by two strap-on motors, to inject the primary payload and 18 co-passenger satellites into a Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit.
**Anvesha: Seeing the Invisible**
At the heart of this mission is the EOS-N1 ‘Anvesha’, a sophisticated surveillance satellite developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Unlike standard optical satellites, Anvesha is equipped with hyperspectral imaging sensors. This technology allows the satellite to capture images across hundreds of narrow spectral bands, enabling it to distinguish materials on the ground with unprecedented precision.
Defense analysts note that Anvesha’s capabilities will be a game-changer for border security. Its sensors can effectively “see through” camouflage, identifying hidden enemy assets, vehicles, or bunkers that would typically blend into the terrain in standard satellite imagery. While primarily a strategic asset, the data will also serve civilian agencies for agriculture, soil moisture analysis, and environmental monitoring.
**A Hub of Innovation: The Co-Passengers**
Riding piggyback with Anvesha are 18 secondary payloads that highlight the growing synergy between ISRO and the private space sector. A standout inclusion is **AayulSAT**, developed by the Bengaluru-based startup OrbitAID Aerospace. This payload marks India’s first attempt at demonstrating on-orbit refuelling technology—a critical step toward extending the lifespan of satellites and reducing space debris.
The mission also carries a unique international payload: the **Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID)** from a Spanish startup. This experimental module is designed to test re-entry technologies. In a complex orbital maneuver, the PSLV’s fourth stage (PS4) will be restarted after deploying the other satellites to lower its orbit, setting the KID capsule on a trajectory to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and splash down in the South Pacific Ocean.
**Strategic Significance**
The PSLV-C62 mission represents a robust return to flight for the PSLV program and underscores India’s intent to maintain a vigilant watch from low Earth orbit. With pre-launch checks currently in progress and the vehicle integration complete, the stage is set for a thunderous start to the new year for India’s space ambitions.
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