India’s space programme got a timely boost on Sunday as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its 64th Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle mission, PSLV-C62, carrying a clutch of strategic and commercial payloads, including the classified surveillance satellite Anvesha. The rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 10:18 am, marking a crucial comeback after last year’s setback.
PSLV back on track after 2025 failure
The mission was closely watched after the previous PSLV flight in May 2025 failed due to an anomaly in the rocket’s third stage. Sunday’s smooth launch helped restore confidence in India’s most dependable launch vehicle, often called ISRO’s workhorse for its long track record of successful missions.
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PSLV-C62 carried EOS-N1 along with 15 co-passenger satellites. EOS-N1 and 14 satellites were injected into a Sun Synchronous Orbit, while the Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID) was placed on a planned re-entry trajectory.
Anvesha: a key strategic payload
Among the payloads was Anvesha, a highly classified surveillance satellite developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). The satellite is understood to offer advanced imaging capabilities that can help map sensitive locations with high precision, strengthening India’s space-based reconnaissance abilities.
While ISRO has not shared operational details, officials have described the satellite as part of India’s broader effort to enhance situational awareness through space assets.
Private players step into the spotlight
Beyond the strategic angle, the mission stands out for what it says about India’s evolving space ecosystem. For the first time, a single Indian private company, Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space, contributed seven satellites on a PSLV mission.
This reflects a clear shift in how India approaches space activities. Once dominated almost entirely by ISRO, the sector is now opening up to private firms that are building satellites, offering launch-ready payloads, and even managing ground station operations.
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Why this launch matters
The success of PSLV-C62 goes beyond putting satellites into orbit. It reassures global customers about the reliability of PSLV after last year’s failure and underlines ISRO’s ability to bounce back quickly.
More importantly, it signals a new phase where public and private players work side by side. With companies like Dhruva Space gaining prominence, India is positioning itself not just as a launch provider, but as a full-spectrum space hub with strong commercial depth.
