Ahead of the upcoming PSLV rocket launch scheduled for January 12, ISRO Chairman Dr. S. Somanath’s successor Dr. Narayanan visited the Chengalamma Parameshwari Temple along with a team of scientists on Saturday. The special prayers were offered at the Chengalamma temple near Srikalahasti, seeking the smooth and successful execution of the mission. The temple visit, held just days before the launch, drew attention from local residents and devotees.
The PSLV mission, scheduled for lift-off at 10:19 am on January 12, is notable as the first space launch planned by Indian Space Research Organisation in 2026. The PSLV-C62 rocket will place the EOS-N1 satellite into orbit. The satellite has been developed for Earth observation purposes and is expected to strengthen India’s capabilities in monitoring natural resources, weather patterns, and disaster-prone regions. Along with EOS-N1, the launch will also carry eight micro-satellites belonging to different countries, highlighting India’s growing role in international space cooperation.
Speaking after the temple visit, ISRO Chairman Dr. Narayanan said the organisation had fully addressed the technical issues faced during a PSLV mission last year. He stated that all required tests for the current launch had been completed successfully and that the scientific teams were confident about the mission. According to him, the data generated by EOS-N1 will be useful for disaster management, climate studies, agriculture planning, and environmental monitoring.
If the PSLV-C62 mission succeeds, ISRO will reach another major milestone. India would have launched a total of 442 satellites belonging to 34 countries so far. Officials said this achievement would further strengthen India’s reputation as a reliable and cost-effective launch service provider in the global space market. The mission is also expected to boost commercial launch opportunities for the country in the coming years.
The countdown for the launch will begin at 12:19 am on January 11, about ten hours before lift-off. Scientists are currently engaged in final checks and preparations at the launch site. Across the country, space experts, students, and the general public are eagerly waiting to witness ISRO’s first mission of 2026.
