PSLV Opens Year with Successful Launch, Deploys Earth Observation Satellite and 14 Commercial Payloads

Delhi: India’s space programme began the year on a high note as ISRO’s trusted launch vehicle, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), successfully blasted off from the Sriharikota spaceport on Monday, carrying an Earth observation satellite along with 14 commercial payloads for Indian and international clients.

The mission, executed under a commercial agreement handled by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), marked the first launch of the year and highlighted India’s growing role in the global space launch market. The four-stage PSLV-C62 rocket lifted off precisely on schedule, rising smoothly from the first launch pad and carving a steady path into space.

Standing over 44 metres tall, the rocket completed its powered flight and orbital insertion phase in about 17 minutes. The payloads are slated to be deployed into a Sun Synchronous Orbit at an altitude of roughly 511 kilometres, an orbit ideal for Earth observation and imaging satellites due to its consistent lighting conditions.

Following the separation of all satellites, ISRO scientists planned a controlled restart of the rocket’s fourth stage (PS4). This manoeuvre is aimed at gradually lowering the stage’s orbit and placing it on a re-entry path. As part of this final phase, the Kestrel Initial Technology Demonstrator (KID) capsule—the last payload—will be released.

The entire post-launch sequence, including orbital adjustments and separation events, is expected to extend beyond two hours after lift-off. According to ISRO, both the PS4 stage and the KID capsule will re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and splash down safely in the South Pacific Ocean, ensuring minimal space debris.