ISRO Launches Anvesha Spy Satellite, Boosts India’s Private Space Ecosystem

After a 2025 setback, ISRO’s trusted PSLV rocket returns to form with a flawless EOS-N1 mission and advanced re-entry demonstration

PGurus Newsdesk

January 12, 2026

ISRO Launches Anvesha Spy Satellite in Major Boost to India’s Private Space Sector

India’s trusted workhorse rocket, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), marked a decisive comeback on Sunday, putting last year’s setback firmly behind it. The PSLV-C62 / EOS-N1 mission lifted off successfully from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 10:18 am, reaffirming confidence in India’s most dependable launch vehicle.

The 64th flight of the PSLV carried the EOS-N1 satellite along with 15 co-passenger satellites. EOS-N1 and 14 other payloads were placed into a Sun Synchronous Orbit, while the Kestrel Initial Demonstrator (KID) capsule was assigned a re-entry trajectory. The EOS-N1 mission, which includes the Anvesha satellite, is designed to deliver advanced imaging capabilities, significantly enhancing India’s ability to map strategic locations with high precision.

Beyond its strategic payload, the mission stands out for highlighting the growing role of India’s private space sector. For the first time, a single Indian private company—Hyderabad-based Dhruva Space—contributed seven satellites to a PSLV mission, underlining the expanding partnership between ISRO and private industry.

Following lift-off, the rocket first deployed the Earth Observation Satellite built jointly by Thailand and the United Kingdom, before releasing 13 additional satellites into sun-synchronous orbit around 17 minutes into the flight. More than two hours after launch, ISRO scientists demonstrated advanced mission capability by restarting the fourth stage (PS4) of the rocket to de-boost the KID capsule, a 25-kg technology demonstrator developed by a Spanish startup.

Both the PS4 stage and the KID capsule are expected to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and splash down in the South Pacific Ocean, showcasing ISRO’s growing expertise in controlled re-entry and post-mission disposal techniques.

The success carries added significance as the previous PSLV mission in May 2025 failed due to an anomaly in the third stage. This flight was therefore critical not just for satellite deployment, but for restoring confidence in PSLV and reinforcing ISRO’s standing as a reliable global launch provider. At the same time, the mission signals a clear shift in India’s space ecosystem, with private players increasingly emerging as essential partners in satellite manufacturing, launch integration, and space services.

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