ISRO’s first launch of 2026
India’s space journey kicked off in 2026 with the launch of the PSLV-C62 rocket by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). This mission aimed to send an Earth observation satellite (called EOS-N1, also known as Anvesha in some reports) into space, along with 14 smaller co-passenger satellites from various countries and Indian groups.
The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is often called ISRO’s “workhorse” because it has a strong history of successful flights. It has helped with big projects like Chandrayaan-1 (India’s first Moon mission), Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter), and Aditya-L1 (solar study). This was the 64th flight for the PSLV, and it marked the first launch of the year for India.
The rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on January 12, 2026, around 10:18 AM IST. The countdown started the day before, and everything looked set for a smooth start. The main goal was to place the EOS-N1 satellite into a sun-synchronous orbit. This type of orbit lets satellites pass over the same spot on Earth at the same time each day, which is great for watching changes like weather, farming, cities, and the environment.
EOS-N1 is an advanced imaging satellite. It can capture details in many wavelengths (hyperspectral), helping spot things that normal cameras miss. It supports both defense needs (like monitoring borders) and civilian uses (such as tracking crops or pollution). The mission was handled by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial wing, showing how India is growing its space business with partners from places like Thailand, the UK, Nepal, Spain, and more.
Besides the main satellite, there were 14 smaller ones—some experimental CubeSats from startups, universities, and international teams. One interesting part was a re-entry capsule (KID) attached to the rocket’s upper stage, meant to test controlled return to Earth by splashing down in the South Pacific Ocean. This helps develop tech for future missions, like bringing samples back or making space more sustainable.
The launch started well, with the rocket climbing into the sky on a bright flame. But soon after, during the third stage, there was a problem. ISRO reported unusual movements in the rocket’s roll and a shift from the planned path. The team is now carefully checking the data to understand what went wrong.
Sadly, this means the satellites likely did not reach their correct orbits. Reports suggest the mission faced a setback, and the payloads may have been lost. This comes after a similar issue in a previous PSLV flight last year (C61), so it’s a tough moment for the team. ISRO leaders said they are analyzing everything and will share more details soon.
Even with this challenge, ISRO’s overall record remains impressive. The PSLV has succeeded in most of its missions and helped put India among top space nations.
Setbacks like this happen in space exploration—they teach valuable lessons to make future flights safer and better.
This event reminds us how complex rocket science is. Thousands of people work hard for years on these projects. While the outcome wasn’t what everyone hoped, the effort shows India’s strong commitment to space technology and innovation.
Stay tuned for official updates from ISRO. Space missions often have ups and downs, but they keep pushing boundaries for science, security, and a better future.
Leave a Reply
Cancel reply