Context:
ISRO commenced the countdown for the PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 Mission, marking the 105th launch from Sriharikota and the 64th flight of PSLV, including international satellite collaborations.
Key Highlights:
- Mission Overview
- Launch Vehicle: PSLV-DL variant (fifth mission of this configuration).
- Payload: EOS-N1 (primary satellite) + 15 co-passenger satellites.
- Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota.
- Commercial mission executed by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
- Primary Payload – EOS-N1
- Intended for strategic and earth observation purposes.
- Injected into a Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO).
- Co-Passenger Satellites
- Developed by Indian startups, academic institutions, and international partners.
- International participation from Thailand, U.K., Nepal, Spain, France, Brazil, etc.
- Reflects India’s expanding role in the global small satellite market.
- Technical Features
- Post-deployment, PS4 stage restart for de-boost and controlled re-entry.
- Separation of KID Capsule, both impacting the South Pacific Ocean.
- Significance
- Strengthens India’s commercial space footprint.
- Encourages private sector participation under space sector reforms.
- Boosts international collaboration in space technology.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle): Medium-lift, expendable launch vehicle used for SSO missions.
- PSLV-DL Variant: Equipped with two strap-on boosters.
- Sun Synchronous Orbit (SSO): Near-polar orbit ensuring consistent solar illumination for imaging satellites.
- NSIL: Commercial arm of ISRO for marketing space services.
- Satish Dhawan Space Centre: Located in Andhra Pradesh.
- Earth Observation Satellites (EOS): Used for mapping, surveillance, disaster management, agriculture monitoring.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Science & Technology Advancement:
- Demonstrates reliability of PSLV platform.
- Enhances India’s capability in strategic surveillance and remote sensing.
- Commercialisation & Space Reforms:
- Aligns with space sector liberalization (IN-SPACe framework).
- Promotes startups and academia participation.
- Geopolitical & Strategic Dimensions:
- Strengthens India’s role as a trusted launch partner.
- Supports space diplomacy and regional cooperation.
- Way Forward:
- Further boost private sector integration.
- Invest in reusable launch vehicle (RLV) technologies.
- Expand satellite-based services for governance and climate monitoring.
UPSC Relevance:
GS Paper 3 – Science & Technology (Space Technology, Commercialisation)
GS Paper 3 – Internal Security (Strategic surveillance satellites)
Prelims – PSLV variants, SSO, NSIL, ISRO missions