Mission PSLV-C62: Advancing India’s Earth Observation and Re-entry Tech

News Context

1. Launch Logistics and Venue

• The Countdown. ISRO commenced a 22.5-hour countdown at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota on February 8, 2026.
• The Liftoff. The mission, designated PSLV-C62/EOS-N1, was scheduled to lift off at 10:17 a.m. on February 9, 2026.
• Historical Milestone. This mission marks the **105th launch** from the Sriharikota spaceport and the 64th flight of the PSLV workhorse.

2. The PSLV-DL Variant

• The Vehicle Configuration. This mission uses the PSLV-DL variant, which is the 5th time this specific configuration has been flown.
• Strap-on Boosters. Unlike the “XL” version which uses six, the “DL” variant utilizes **two solid strap-on boosters** to provide the necessary initial thrust for its specific payload weight.
• Payload Efficiency. This configuration is optimized for mid-range payload requirements, typically launching around 1,200 kg to Sun-Synchronous Orbits (SSO).

3. Primary Payload: EOS-N1 (Anvesha)

• Strategic Earth Observation. The primary satellite, **EOS-N1** (also known as *Anvesha*), is a 407 kg hyperspectral imaging satellite.
• Purpose and Origins. Built primarily for strategic and defense purposes, it was developed by the **DRDO** (Defence Research and Development Organisation) to enhance India’s space-based surveillance.
• Dual-Use Capabilities. While strategic in nature, it also supports civilian monitoring in sectors like agriculture, urban mapping, and disaster management.

4. The 15 Co-Passenger “Rideshares”

• Global Collaboration. Organized by **NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)**, the mission carries 15 smaller satellites from startups and academic institutions across India, Thailand, Spain, France, Brazil, and Nepal.
• Key Indian Contributors. Hyderabad-based **Dhruva Space** contributed multiple satellites (CGUSAT, DSUSAT, Thybolt-3), while academic satellites like **Sanskarsat** and **AyulSat** were developed by Indian educational trusts.
• International Participation. Payloads include **Theos-2** (Thailand/UK), **Munal** (Nepal), and a fleet of educational satellites from Brazil.

5. Orbit Injection Profile

• Targeting SSO. The rocket aims to place the EOS-N1 and 14 of the co-passenger satellites into a **Sun-Synchronous Orbit** (approx. 505 km altitude).
• Synchronized Imaging. This specific orbit ensures the satellites pass over the same spot on Earth at the same local solar time, which is crucial for consistent light conditions in earth imaging.

6. The “KID” Capsule Experiment

• Re-entry Technology. The 16th payload is the **Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID)**, a 25 kg capsule developed by the Spanish startup **Orbital Paradigm**.
• Demonstration Goal. KID is designed to test atmospheric re-entry technologies, serving as a subscale prototype for future reusable cargo and return vehicles.
• Separation Logic. Unlike the other satellites, KID is the last to separate and is intended for a controlled re-entry rather than staying in a stable orbit.

7. PS4 Stage: The In-Orbit Lab

• Orbital Maneuvering. After deploying the main satellites, the PSLV’s fourth stage (PS4) is designed to re-start its engines.
• De-boosting. The PS4 stage performs a “de-boost” maneuver to lower its altitude and enter a specific re-entry trajectory.
• Dual Re-entry. Both the PS4 stage and the KID capsule are programmed to re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere sequentially for testing purposes.

8. Final Impact Zone

• Controlled Descent. The mission profile dictates that the spent PS4 stage and the KID capsule will impact a remote region of the **South Pacific Ocean**.
• Safety Protocol. This impact zone is chosen specifically to avoid shipping lanes and populated landmasses, adhering to international space debris mitigation guidelines.

9. Mission Commercial and Strategic Context

• NSIL’s 9th Commercial Flight. This launch is the 9th dedicated commercial mission for NSIL, highlighting India’s growing role in the global small-satellite launch market.
• Recovering from Setbacks. This mission is a significant “Return to Flight” for the PSLV following technical challenges in the previous year’s C61 mission.

10. Summary of Payloads