ISRO PSLV-C62 launch highlights: EOS-N1 and 14 satellites failed to reach intended orbit

ISRO has confirmed a disturbance in the fourth stage (PS4), resulting in a deviation from the intended flight path. The space agency is currently analysing the flight data to determine the cause.

The PSLV is currently on its path toward the intended orbit with its payloads. The vehicle is being tracked by the ground station in the Andaman Islands.

The third stage of the PSLV has completed its burnout, and the vehicle is now in a coasting phase, moving without motor power.

ISRO has confirmed that the second stage of the PSLV-C62 has separated. The third stage has ignited and is performing normally. It will burn for 125 seconds.

ISRO has confirmed that the second stage of the PSLV-C62 performed normally. It ignited successfully following the separation of the first stage.

Following liftoff, ISRO has confirmed that the first stage performed normally and has successfully separated from the PSLV.

ISRO has kicked off its 2026 launch calendar with the lauch of PSLV-C62 mission. It will deploy the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite and 14 other payloads into space.

ISRO is all set for the launch, with just five minutes remaining until the 10:18:30 AM liftoff. The mission is expected to conclude approximately two hours after launch.

Earlier, the launch was scheduled for 10:17 AM on January 12, but the space agency later shifted the time to 10:18:30 AM. During the last launch as well, ISRO adjusted the liftoff time to avoid potential space debris.

The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) is known as the "Workhorse of ISRO" due to its exceptional reliability and versatility, which has been instrumental in India's rise as a prominent space power.

The automatic launch sequence for the PSLV-C62 mission has been initiated. At T-0, the ignition of the first stage will begin.

The mission will utilise the PSLV-DL variant, equipped with two solid strap-on motors. This flight marks the 64th mission for the PSLV program.

The PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission marks the ninth dedicated commercial venture for NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), which is commercial arm of ISRO.

Both the PS4 stage and the KID capsule, the final co-passenger, will re-enter the Earth's atmosphere and splash down in the South Pacific Ocean, according to ISRO.

ISRO stated that scientists will restart the rocket's fourth stage to demonstrate the KID capsule's re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere. To achieve this, the stage will be reignited to 'de-boost' the vehicle into a re-entry trajectory, followed by the separation of the KID capsule.

The separation of the rocket's fourth stage (PS4) and the demonstration of the Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator (KID) capsule—belonging to a Spanish startup—are expected to take place just over two hours after launch.

The primary payload, an Earth observation satellite built by Thailand and the United Kingdom, will fly alongside other co-passenger satellites. These will be deployed into the intended sun-synchronous orbit approximately 17 minutes after liftoff.

ISRO’s commercial wing, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), is facilitating the PSLV-C62 mission to orbit the EOS-N1 satellite. The flight also includes 14 co-passenger satellites, fulfilling launch service agreements for both domestic startups and international partners

This launch marks the 64th flight of the PSLV. To date, the launch vehicle has successfully completed 63 missions, including India’s most ambitious milestones such as Chandrayaan-1, the Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), and the Aditya-L1 solar mission.

Ahead of the PSLV-C62 mission, ISRO Chairman V Narayanan visited the Tirumala Tirupati temple on Saturday to offer prayers. Accompanied by senior ISRO officials, he performed a traditional puja for a miniature replica of the launch vehicle. The mission is set to deploy the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite along with 14 additional payloads into orbit.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to execute another milestone launch today, January 12. The PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission is scheduled for lift-off at 10:18.30 AM IST from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.