UPDATE: India’s first major space mission of 2026, the PSLV‑C62 launch by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), encountered a significant setback on Monday, January 12, 2026.
The PSLV‑DL rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 10:18 a.m. carrying the EOS‑N1 Earth observation satellite along with 15 co‑passenger payloads. However, the mission did not go as planned.
Moments after a seemingly normal ascent, a technical anomaly emerged during the third stage of the flight, prompting concerns about the mission’s success. ISRO officials confirmed that the launch vehicle deviated from its intended flight trajectory, dampening hopes of a smooth return to form for the “workhorse” launcher.
ISRO Faces Another Setback
According to ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, the PSLV‑C62 experienced a disturbance near the end of its third stage (PS3), leading to a deviation from the planned flight path.
While the first two stages performed within expected parameters, the anomaly occurred as the solid third‑stage was finishing its burn, causing unexpected behaviour in the vehicle’s motion. Telemetry data is now under close examination as engineers initiate a detailed analysis to pinpoint the cause.
ISRO stated on its official X account that further updates will be shared once the data assessment is complete. The deviation echoes a previous technical glitch on PSLV‑C61 in May 2025, prompting scrutiny of stage performance.
Anvesha: India’s Advanced Hyperspectral Eye
At the heart of this mission is EOS-N1, or Anvesha, a 1710 kg technological marvel developed for the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Unlike standard cameras, Anvesha uses hyperspectral sensors to “see” the Earth in hundreds of narrow light bands.
This capability allows the satellite to identify the chemical “fingerprint” of materials on the ground, making it nearly impossible for camouflaged military assets, troop movements, or concealed equipment to remain hidden.
Beyond its strategic surveillance role, the satellite’s data will be used for civilian applications, including mineral detection, agricultural health monitoring, and urban planning, providing a dual-use advantage for India’s national interests.
Fueling The Private Space Revolution
The PSLV-C62 mission also serves as a significant milestone for India’s burgeoning private space sector. Among the 15 co-passenger satellites were payloads from Indian startups like OrbitAID Aerospace and Dhruva Space.
Notably, the mission carried “AayulSAT,” India’s first-ever on-orbit satellite refuelling experiment, which aims to extend the lifespan of satellites and reduce space debris.
This mission highlights the shifting role of ISRO from a sole operator to a facilitator, enabling academic institutions and private enterprises to test cutting-edge technologies in space.
The inclusion of international payloads from countries like Spain and Brazil further underscores the global commercial reach of ISRO’s commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we celebrate the resilience of our scientists who have turned the page on last year’s setbacks with such precision. Space technology is often seen through the lens of national security, but the real triumph of PSLV-C62 lies in its democratic reach, giving students and startups a seat at the cosmic table.
While the “Anvesha” satellite provides a shield for our borders, the “AayulSAT” refuelling experiment provides hope for a more sustainable and cleaner orbital environment. We believe that true progress is found when strategic strength and environmental responsibility go hand in hand.
