PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 Mission Ias Banenge

Why in News?

• ISRO commenced the 22.5-hour countdown for PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 mission.
• Launch scheduled at 10:17 a.m. from Sriharikota.
• Mission highlights:
  • Strategic Earth Observation satellite (EOS-N1).
  • 15 co-passenger satellites from Indian start-ups, academia, and foreign partners.
  • Commercial launch by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
  • PSLV-DL variant with PS4 stage restart and controlled re-entry.

Relevance

GS III – Science & Technology

• Space technology.
• Launch vehicles.
• Earth observation satellites.

GS III – Security

• Strategic surveillance.
• Dual-use space assets.

Basics: What is PSLV?

• Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV):
  • ISRO’s workhorse launch vehicle.
  • Optimised for Sun-Synchronous Orbits (SSO) and LEO.
• Known for:
  • High reliability.
  • Multi-satellite launch capability.

PSLV Variants

• PSLV-CA: Core Alone.
• PSLV-DL: Dual strap-on motors.
• PSLV-QL: Four strap-ons.
• PSLV-XL: Six strap-ons (heavy-lift PSLV).

Mission Profile: PSLV-C62

• 64th PSLV flight.
• 5th PSLV-DL mission.
• 105th launch from Sriharikota.
• Launch pad: First Launch Pad.
• Orbit:
  • Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO).

Primary Payload: EOS-N1

• Earth Observation Satellite.
• Purpose:
  • Strategic surveillance and imaging.
• Users:
  • National security.
  • Strategic planning.
• Reinforces:
  • India’s space-based intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capability.

Co-Passenger Satellites: Key Features

• 15 small satellites.
• Developed by:
  • Indian start-ups (Dhruva Space, TakeMe2Space, OrbitAid).
  • Academic institutions.
  • Foreign partners (Thailand-UK, Brazil, Nepal, Spain-France).
• Examples:
  • Theos-2 (Thailand-UK EO satellite).
  • CGUSAT, DSUSAT, MOI-1, LACHIT (Indian start-ups).
  • Munal (Nepal–India collaboration).
  • KID Capsule (Spain–France re-entry experiment).

What is Special About This Mission?

1. Commercialisation via NSIL

• Mission operated by NewSpace India Limited.
• Reflects:
  • Shift from ISRO as operator → ISRO as enabler.
• Supports:
  • India’s space economy expansion.

2. Start-up & Academic Participation

• Strong representation of:
  • Indian private space ecosystem.
• Encourages:
  • Innovation.
  • Indigenous space manufacturing.

3. PS4 Stage Restart & Re-entry

• PS4 stage restarted post satellite deployment.
• Purpose:
  • Controlled de-orbiting.
  • Space debris mitigation.
• Both PS4 stage and KID Capsule:
  • Re-enter Earth’s atmosphere.
  • Impact zone: South Pacific Ocean.

What is Sun-Synchronous Orbit (SSO)?

• Near-polar orbit.
• Satellite passes over same location at same local solar time.
• Ideal for:
  • Earth observation.
  • Remote sensing.
  • Environmental monitoring.

Strategic & Policy Significance

• Enhances:
  • National security surveillance.
  • Space situational responsibility (debris mitigation).
• Aligns with:
  • Indian Space Policy 2023.
  • IN-SPACe–driven private participation.
• Strengthens India’s:
  • Position as reliable global launch service provider.

Takeaway

• PSLV-C62 reflects India’s mature space capabilities, combining strategic surveillance, commercial launches, start-up participation, and responsible space operations in a single mission.

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