BENGALURU, 8/1 : The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to commence its 2026 launch calendar with a critical strategic mission, deploying the advanced surveillance satellite EOS-N1, codenamed ‘Anvesha’, aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C62). The space agency confirmed today that the launch is scheduled for January 12 at 10:17 AM IST from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota.
This mission marks a significant recovery milestone for the PSLV program following the anomaly observed during the PSLV-C61 mission in May 2025. With the integration of the vehicle and satellites now complete, ISRO officials have stated that pre-launch checks are progressing smoothly.
**Anvesha: Seeing the Invisible**
The crown jewel of the mission is the EOS-N1 (Anvesha), a sophisticated hyperspectral imaging satellite developed primarily for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Unlike standard optical satellites that capture images in the visible spectrum (red, green, blue), Anvesha is equipped to capture data across hundreds of narrow spectral bands.
This hyperspectral capability allows the satellite to “see” beyond the range of the human eye, distinguishing materials based on their chemical composition. For strategic defence, this is a game-changer; Anvesha can identify camouflaged military assets, such as tanks hidden under foliage or bunkers concealed by netting, by differentiating the spectral signature of metal or paint from surrounding vegetation. Beyond defence, the satellite will serve dual-use purposes, aiding in agriculture by detecting crop stress and in environmental monitoring by tracking pollution levels with high precision.
**A Global Rideshare**
The PSLV-C62 mission is also a major commercial endeavor, carrying 18 co-passenger satellites that highlight the growing synergy between ISRO, Indian startups, and international partners.
Among the most notable secondary payloads is the **Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID)**, developed by the Spanish startup Orbital Paradigm. This experimental payload is a small re-entry capsule designed to survive the intense heat of atmospheric re-entry, splashing down in the South Pacific Ocean—a rare test for a rideshare mission.
Domestically, the mission showcases the maturity of India’s private space sector. Bengaluru-based OrbitAID Aerospace is launching **AayulSAT**, a pioneering payload aimed at demonstrating on-orbit refueling technologies. If successful, this could pave the way for extending the lifespan of satellites in orbit, addressing the critical issue of space debris. Other payloads include **MOI-1** from Hyderabad, which features onboard AI for real-time data processing, and satellites from various Indian universities.
**Strategic Comeback**
The successful deployment of EOS-N1 is vital for maintaining India’s continuous surveillance capabilities. With the PSLV-C62 mission, ISRO not only aims to restore full confidence in its workhorse launcher but also significantly upgrade the nation’s strategic depth in space. The countdown is expected to begin shortly, with the eyes of the global space community fixed on Sriharikota this coming Monday.
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