The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has spectacularly commenced its 2026 launch calendar with the flawless flight of its trusted workhorse, the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). Marking a significant start to the new year, the PSLV-C62 mission successfully deployed the TDS-01 satellite into its intended orbit on the morning of February 22, 2026.
A Textbook Launch from Sriharikota
At precisely 09:35 hours IST on February 22, 2026, the PSLV rocket roared to life, lifting off from the First Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The mission proceeded exactly as planned, with each stage of the vehicle performing its duty perfectly. Approximately 20 minutes after liftoff, the primary payload, the TDS-01 satellite, was injected into a precise sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of about 528 km.
Following the successful separation of TDS-01, the fourth stage of the PSLV, now acting as the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3), began its secondary mission. POEM-3 is a unique platform that utilizes the spent rocket stage as a stable orbital laboratory to conduct a suite of scientific experiments in microgravity conditions.
Mission Payloads: TDS-01 and POEM-3 Experiments
The star passenger of this mission, TDS-01, is a technologically advanced satellite developed by Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay (IIT-Bombay). This satellite is designed to demonstrate and validate new indigenously developed technologies related to attitude control systems, power management units, and communication subsystems. Its successful deployment is a major step forward for India's private space sector and academic institutions in space technology.
The co-passenger, POEM-3, is carrying ten experimental payloads from various Indian research institutes and space startups. These experiments span diverse fields, including:
- Thermal management of electronics in space.
- Measurement of atmospheric density and composition.
- Testing of new materials and sensor technologies.
- Studies related to space environment and radiation.
POEM-3 exemplifies ISRO's innovative approach to maximizing the utility of launch vehicle components, turning space debris into a valuable research asset.
A Strong Start and a Promising Future
The success of the PSLV-C62/TDS-01 mission is a powerful statement of intent from ISRO for the year 2026. It underscores the continued reliability and versatility of the PSLV platform, which has now completed over 60 missions with an outstanding success rate. This launch reinforces India's position as a dependable and cost-effective provider of launch services in the global commercial space market.
More importantly, the mission highlights the growing synergy between ISRO, private industry, and academia. The development and launch of TDS-01 signal the maturing of India's private space ecosystem, while the POEM-3 experiments provide crucial flight heritage to domestic startups and researchers. This collaborative model is essential for accelerating space technology development and fostering innovation within the country.
With this successful beginning, the space community eagerly anticipates ISRO's packed schedule for the rest of 2026, which is expected to include ambitious interplanetary missions, advanced satellite deployments, and further tests of its new launch vehicles. The PSLV-C62 mission has set a confident and competent tone for India's space endeavors in the coming year.
