Excitement is palpable at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota as the Indian  Space Research Organisation (ISRO) gears up for its inaugural orbital mission of 2026.  Set to launch this morning, the PSLV-C62 mission represents a pivotal moment for  India’s space programme, successfully placing 16 satellites into a Sun-Synchronous  Polar Orbit. This mission not only underscores ISRO’s reputation as a reliable launch  service provider but also shines a spotlight on the burgeoning space startup ecosystem  in India. 

The launch is scheduled for 10:17 am IST from the First Launch Pad, with the Polar  Satellite Launch Vehicle once again taking centre stage. Over the years, the PSLV has  built a strong global reputation for its precision and versatility, making it the go-to choice for both domestic and international payloads. 

Primary Payload: EOS-N1 ‘Anvesha’ 

At the forefront of the PSLV-C62 mission is EOS-N1, also known as Anvesha, an  advanced Earth Observation Satellite developed by the Defence Research and  Development Organisation (DRDO). This satellite is equipped with cutting-edge  

hyperspectral imaging technology, enabling it to capture data across numerous narrow  light bands for each pixel. 

Such capabilities allow for intricate analysis of the Earth’s surface, with applications  that range from monitoring crops and soil to exploring minerals and mapping urban  areas. EOS-N1 is poised to significantly enhance India’s strategic and environmental  monitoring efforts.

Testing India’s First On-Orbit Refuelling Technology 

Among the most anticipated experimental payloads on this mission is AayulSAT,  created by Bengaluru-based startup OrbitAID Aerospace. This satellite serves as a  technology demonstrator for India’s pioneering on-orbit refuelling concept. 

AayulSAT is designed to test a unique docking mechanism alongside systems for  propellant, power, and data transfer in microgravity. If successful, this technology could  greatly extend the operational lifespan of satellites, lower replacement costs, and help  mitigate the accumulation of space debris when satellites exhaust their fuel. 

AI in Space and the World’s First Orbital “Cybercafe” 

Another remarkable payload is MOI-1, developed by Hyderabad-based startups  TakeMe2Space and Eon Space Labs. This satellite will host India’s first orbital AI image  processing laboratory, leveraging edge computing to analyse data directly in space. 

By processing images onboard instead of sending raw data back to Earth, MOI-1 aims to  significantly reduce latency. This mission has been dubbed the world’s first “cybercafe  in space,” where users can rent computing time on the satellite for $2 (approximately  ₹180) per minute. 

Additionally, MOI-1 carries MIRA, touted as the world’s lightest space telescope.  Weighing in at just 502 grams, this telescope has been meticulously crafted from a  single block of fused silica glass, ensuring perfect optical alignment even amidst the  intense vibrations of launch. 

A Truly Global Rideshare Mission 

Through its commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO has positioned  PSLV-C62 as a global rideshare mission. The payload includes Munal, a CubeSat from  Nepal supported by India’s Ministry of External Affairs, aimed at terrain mapping.\ 

International payloads also feature Spain’s Kestrel Initial Demonstrator capsule for  atmospheric re-entry testing, the Indo-Mauritius Joint Satellite, and a Brazilian satellite  cluster that includes Aldebaran-1 for maritime rescue operations. A unique payload  known as the “Orbital Temple” will store 14,000 names in space. 

From India, Dhruva Space is launching multiple satellites, including LACHIT and  Thybolt-3, to validate indigenously developed communication subsystems. 

In essence, the PSLV-C62 mission exemplifies how ISRO’s established launch  capabilities are increasingly fostering innovation among Indian startups, while  positioning the country as a significant player in the global small-satellite economy.