Published: January 11, 2026

Bengaluru – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has initiated the countdown for its first rocket launch of 2026, a milestone that promises to further India’s growing presence in space exploration and commercial satellite deployment. Scheduled for January 12, the mission will deploy a total of 14 satellites into orbit, including an earth observation satellite and thirteen co-passenger satellites belonging to both domestic and international customers. The upcoming launch highlights ISRO’s continued expertise in multi-satellite missions and reinforces India’s position as a reliable partner in global space technology.

The countdown for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV)-C62 mission began on Sunday at 12:48 pm, setting in motion a 22.5-hour pre-lift-off sequence of operations. The PSLV-C62 launch is planned for 10:18 am on Monday, January 12, slightly delayed by one minute from its previously scheduled 10:17 am lift-off time, according to ISRO officials. The launch vehicle, which has a lift-off mass of approximately 260 tonnes, will carry both an earth observation satellite and thirteen co-passenger satellites into a sun-synchronous orbit, with deployment expected about 17 minutes after lift-off.

Mission Details and Payloads

The primary payload of the PSLV-C62 mission is an earth observation satellite, jointly built for Thailand and the United Kingdom, emphasizing ISRO’s growing role in international space collaborations. The remaining 13 satellites, which will ride along as co-passengers, are intended for a mix of domestic and overseas customers, demonstrating India’s increasing prominence in the commercial satellite market. These satellites are expected to serve diverse applications, including earth monitoring, communication, scientific research, and technology demonstrations.

The mission is being undertaken by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO responsible for marketing Indian space capabilities and facilitating satellite launches for domestic and international clients. NSIL has played a pivotal role in transforming India’s space program into a commercially competitive enterprise, bridging scientific achievements with business opportunities in the global space sector.

PSLV: India’s Workhorse Rocket

The PSLV, often referred to as ISRO’s workhorse, has completed 63 successful flights to date and has earned a reputation for reliability and precision. Among its remarkable missions are Chandrayaan-1, India’s first mission to the Moon; the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), which positioned India as the first Asian nation to reach Mars orbit on its maiden attempt; and Aditya-L1, the solar observation mission launched to study the Sun’s atmosphere.

The PSLV’s versatility lies in its ability to deploy satellites into a variety of orbits, including sun-synchronous, polar, and geosynchronous transfer orbits, making it an ideal choice for both scientific and commercial payloads. Its multi-satellite deployment capability has enabled ISRO to carry out missions for multiple countries simultaneously, highlighting India’s growing role as a reliable launch provider in the global space market.

The last PSLV mission, PSLV-C61, launched an earth observation satellite on May 18, 2025. That launch encountered a minor technical issue during the third stage of the rocket, described by ISRO as an “observation,” preventing the mission from being fully accomplished at that time. Lessons learned from previous missions, however, have strengthened ISRO’s procedures, and PSLV-C62 represents a continuation of India’s methodical approach to achieving success in space operations.

Significance of the Launch

The PSLV-C62 mission marks an important start for ISRO in 2026, reinforcing India’s dual focus on scientific exploration and commercial satellite deployment. By carrying satellites for both domestic and international customers, ISRO continues to position itself as a global hub for affordable and reliable satellite launches. The mission also underscores India’s capabilities in earth observation technologies, which play a crucial role in environmental monitoring, disaster management, agriculture planning, and urban development.

The successful deployment of the primary payload for Thailand and the United Kingdom will further strengthen ISRO’s international collaborations, demonstrating India’s capacity to design, integrate, and launch satellites tailored to specific mission requirements. With the addition of thirteen co-passenger satellites, the PSLV-C62 mission also reflects the growing demand for small satellite launches worldwide, particularly from private companies, universities, and government agencies seeking cost-effective access to space.

Countdown Preparations

The 22.5-hour countdown initiated on January 11 involves a series of meticulous procedures to ensure the rocket and its payloads are fully prepared for launch. Activities include final inspections of the rocket stages, integration of payloads, fueling, and system checks for navigation, telemetry, and communication. Engineers and mission control teams will monitor every parameter in real time to ensure a flawless lift-off and successful satellite deployment.

ISRO’s launch operations involve coordination between multiple teams at its facilities, including the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, where the PSLV rockets are assembled and launched. Ground stations across India will track the flight, ensuring that all satellites are released into their designated orbits with precision. The multi-satellite deployment sequence requires precise timing and coordination, as each satellite must be released at a specific altitude and orientation to ensure proper orbit insertion and functionality.

Commercial and Scientific Impact

The PSLV-C62 launch has far-reaching implications for both the commercial and scientific sectors. On the commercial side, the successful launch enhances India’s reputation as a reliable partner for international satellite operators, opening doors for future contracts and strengthening the country’s position in the competitive global launch market. The mission’s multi-satellite configuration also allows smaller countries and private operators to access space at lower costs, enabling a broader democratization of space technology.

From a scientific perspective, the earth observation satellite will provide valuable data for environmental monitoring, climate research, urban planning, and natural resource management. Access to high-resolution imagery and geospatial data can aid governments, researchers, and industries in making informed decisions on issues ranging from agriculture and forestry to disaster preparedness and water resource management.

Looking Ahead

As India embarks on its first space launch of 2026, attention is already turning to future missions. ISRO has ambitious plans for the coming year, including further earth observation launches, satellite navigation projects, interplanetary missions, and enhancements to its commercial satellite services. The success of PSLV-C62 will serve as a strong foundation for these upcoming missions, highlighting India’s continued growth in both space exploration and commercial space activities.

The PSLV-C62 launch represents a critical step in ISRO’s ongoing journey to expand India’s footprint in space, while simultaneously supporting international collaborations and commercial partnerships. The mission is a testament to the country’s technical capabilities, strategic planning, and ability to deliver reliable, cost-effective space solutions to a growing global market.

In conclusion, the countdown for the PSLV-C62 launch has begun, marking the start of India’s space activities for 2026. With fourteen satellites on board, including an earth observation satellite for Thailand and the United Kingdom, the mission underscores ISRO’s dual role as a scientific pioneer and a commercial launch provider. The successful completion of this mission will not only strengthen India’s position in the global space arena but also provide critical data and services that can benefit both domestic and international stakeholders.