Bengaluru: India’s workhorse launch vehicle PSLV is set for its 64th flight with the upcoming PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 mission, marking the ninth dedicated commercial launch undertaken by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). The mission aims to place the EOS-N1 earth observation satellite into orbit, along with launch services for 15 co-passenger satellites from both Indian and international customers.
The mission will be carried out using the PSLV-DL variant, equipped with two solid strap-on motors. In addition to satellite deployment, the launch will also demonstrate the Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator (KID) developed by a Spanish startup. The KID, a small-scale prototype of a re-entry vehicle, will be injected last and is expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere before splashing down in the South Pacific Ocean.
According to officials, integration of the launch vehicle and satellites has been completed, and pre-launch checks are currently underway. The mission is scheduled for liftoff on January 12 from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
PSLV has played a pivotal role in India’s space programme, successfully executing 63 missions to date, including landmark launches such as Chandrayaan-1, the Mars Orbiter Mission, Aditya-L1 and Astrosat.
