India is starting 2026 with an exciting leap forward in space exploration, as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) prepares to launch an ambitious multi-satellite mission that highlights international cooperation and technological innovation.

Scheduled for January 12 at 10:17 AM from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, the PSLV-C62 mission represents a beautiful tapestry of global collaboration, carrying 16 satellites from India, Nepal, the United Kingdom, France, and Brazil into orbit.

The mission's centerpiece is DRDO's Anvesha satellite (EOS-N1), which features remarkable hyperspectral imaging technology capable of analyzing light across hundreds of wavelengths. This advanced capability allows identification of materials in ways impossible for the human eye, representing a significant technological achievement for India's defense research community.

Perhaps most inspiring is Nepal's Munal satellite, built by Nepal's Antharkshya Pratishtan with support from India's Ministry of External Affairs. This satellite will support environmental monitoring and capacity building, marking an exciting milestone as Nepal takes its first major steps into space-based applications. The collaboration demonstrates India's commitment to helping neighboring nations access the benefits of space technology.

Adding to the mission's innovative spirit is AyulSAT, developed by Bengaluru-based startup OrbitAID Aerospace. This satellite will test groundbreaking on-orbit refueling technology that could revolutionize how we maintain and extend the life of satellites in space. Founder Sakthikumar Ramachandran enthusiastically describes it as "the foundation of the on-orbit economy," predicting that this moment will be remembered as when "India made space serviceable."

The mission also showcases India's thriving space startup ecosystem. Dhruva Space is launching five satellites that will demonstrate indigenous satellite bus capabilities and validate multiple technologies. This represents the growing confidence and capability of India's private space sector.

International collaboration shines through with satellites from Brazil's AlltoSpace, including educational and exploratory missions like EduSat and Galaxy Explorer, plus contributions from the UK's SSTL and France's RIDE program. The diversity of participants reflects India's reputation as a reliable and cost-effective launch partner for nations around the world.

What makes this mission particularly special is how it balances multiple objectives: advancing defense capabilities, fostering international partnerships, supporting startup innovation, and pushing technological boundaries. From educational satellites to cutting-edge refueling technology, the PSLV-C62 mission embodies the collaborative and forward-thinking spirit of modern space exploration.

As India continues to establish itself as a major space-faring nation, missions like this demonstrate that space exploration can unite countries in common purpose. The inclusion of satellites serving education, environmental monitoring, and technological development shows that space programs can deliver tangible benefits to people on Earth.

The successful execution of this mission, managed through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm, will set a positive tone for space activities throughout 2026, reinforcing India's position as an indispensable partner in humanity's shared journey beyond Earth.