Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has launched its Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C62 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The lift-off from the first launch pad was scheduled for 10:17 am IST, today, January 12.
The rocket will carry 16 satellites into a Sun-Synchronous Polar Orbit, once again showing India’s growing strength in the global small-satellite launch market.
#WATCH | Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh: The PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission launches from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR).
PSLV-C62 will carry EOS-N1 and 15 co-passenger satellites. EOS-N1 and 14 co-passengers are planned for injection into Sun Synchronous Orbit; the KID capsule is… pic.twitter.com/b4mrfQMTM2
— ANI (@ANI) January 12, 2026
EOS-N1: The main satellite of the mission
At the centre of this mission is EOS-N1, an advanced Earth observation satellite made by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Nicknamed Anvesha, it uses cutting-edge hyperspectral imaging technology. This means it can take extremely detailed images that capture hundreds of narrow colour bands for each pixel. These images help scientists identify chemical signatures – useful for studying crop health, soil moisture, minerals and even tracking urban growth.
Along with EOS-N1, the rocket will carry 15 other satellites. These include eight satellites from Indian companies and several international payloads – five from Brazil for mapping, communication and tech experiments, an Earth observation satellite made jointly by the UK and Thailand, a technology demonstration satellite from Nepal, and a Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator (KID) developed by teams in Spain and France.
One of the biggest innovations in this mission is AayulSAT, built by Bengaluru startup OrbitAID Aerospace. This satellite will test India’s first technology for refuelling satellites in space.
Normally, when a satellite runs out of fuel, its mission ends and it becomes space junk. AayulSAT will test a docking system and fuel-transfer method that could one day allow satellites to be refuelled in orbit – like having “petrol pumps in space”. This could greatly extend the life of space satellites worldwide.
MOI-1: India’s first AI image lab in orbit
The mission also carries MOI-1, a satellite created by Hyderabad-based startups TakeMe2Space and Eon Space Labs. MOI-1 will host India’s first AI-image laboratory in space. This lab processes images on the satellite itself using edge computing, which makes data analysis extremely fast. In a first-of-its-kind idea, the mission will even allow users to rent computing time in space for $2 (Rs 180) per minute, calling it the world’s first cybercafe in orbit, according to a report by India Today.
The KID capsule, built by a Spanish startup, is designed as a test model for a future re-entry vehicle. It will be the final satellite released during the mission. After completing its time in orbit, KID will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and land in the South Pacific Ocean. The data it gathers will help improve the technology needed for safe and precise re-entry systems in the future.