“From Chandrayaan 1 to PSLV C62: The evolution of ISRO’s perfect satellite launch vehicle”,
🔭 1. What the Article Is AboutThe piece traces the evolution of India’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) — from how it helped launch scientific missions like Chandrayaan‑1, to its 64th flight with PSLV‑C62 carrying advanced satellites in 2026 — and highlights how PSLV became the “workhorse” of India’s space programme.It is framed around the upcoming PSLV‑C62 mission (scheduled for January 12, 2026) that will carry the EOS‑N1/Anvesha Earth observation satellite and multiple co‑passenger satellites.🚀 2. PSLV — ISRO’s Backbone Launch VehicleA. Origin and Design
ISRO developed different PSLV variants over time for diverse mission needs:
PSLV has also launched:
✅ Decades of proven performance — consistently reliable with a long history of successful launches.
✅ Versatility across mission types — from Earth observation and scientific to interplanetary missions.
✅ Global trust — used by international customers for launching their satellites.
✅ Cost‑effectiveness, making space access affordable for researchers, startups, and commercial partners alike.All these factors have earned PSLV the reputation of being ISRO’s most dependable and adaptable launch vehicle — a cornerstone of India’s space success story. Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
- The Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) was first launched in 1993, making it one of ISRO’s earliest orbital launchers.
- It is a four‑stage rocket using a combination of solid and liquid propulsion systems — a design that balances reliability, versatility, and cost‑effectiveness.
ISRO developed different PSLV variants over time for diverse mission needs:
- PSLV‑XL with six large strap‑on boosters for heavier payloads.
- PSLV‑DL (used for recent missions like C62) with two strap‑on boosters, suited for medium payloads.
- PSLV‑CA (core alone) without boosters for lighter missions.
- One of the first major indian deep‑space missions, Chandrayaan‑1 was launched aboard a PSLV‑XL from Sriharikota on 22 october 2008.
- It made india the fifth country to reach lunar orbit and helped discover significant evidence of water molecules on the moon — a major scientific achievement.
PSLV has also launched:
- Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), showing India’s capability in interplanetary exploration.
- Aditya‑L1, India’s solar observatory mission.
- Astrosat, India’s multi‑wavelength space telescope.
- A record 104 satellites in one flight (PSLV‑C37 in 2017).
- The PSLV‑C62/EOS‑N1 mission is slated for January 12, 2026 — marking PSLV’s 64th flight and opening India’s 2026 space season.
- It will launch the primary EOS‑N1 (Anvesha) Earth observation satellite developed for strategic monitoring, plus 15–18 co‑passenger satellites from india and abroad in a multi‑payload flight.
- The C62 mission follows the PSLV‑C61 anomaly in 2025, where the vehicle failed to place EOS‑09 into orbit due to a third‑stage issue.
- Successfully returning to flight with C62 is seen as important to reaffirm PSLV’s reliability and confidence ahead of future missions.
- This mission also highlights PSLV’s value in commercial rideshare launches — carrying satellites paid for by indian, European, and other customers — boosting ISRO’s global partnership footprint.
✅ Decades of proven performance — consistently reliable with a long history of successful launches.
✅ Versatility across mission types — from Earth observation and scientific to interplanetary missions.
✅ Global trust — used by international customers for launching their satellites.
✅ Cost‑effectiveness, making space access affordable for researchers, startups, and commercial partners alike.All these factors have earned PSLV the reputation of being ISRO’s most dependable and adaptable launch vehicle — a cornerstone of India’s space success story. Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.