ISRO’s PSLVC62 ANVESHA MISSION – DETAILED ANALYSIS (FOR UPSC & OPSC)
I. INTRODUCTION
ISRO’s PSLVC62 mission, launched on 12 January 2026, carried DRDO’s Anvesha (EOSN1) hyperspectral satellite along with 15+ copassenger payloads including seven satellites from Dhruva Space and Odisha’s CV Raman nanosat. A thirdstage velocity anomaly affected the orbit insertion, prompting a Failure Analysis Committee review. Despite this, primary satellites achieved partial mission success. The mission is vital for space technology, defence, economy, and statelevel development.
II. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS OF ANVESHA (EOSN1)
• Type: Hyperspectral Earth observation satellite (DRDO).
• Mass: ~150–200 kg; payload approx. 40 kg.
• Orbit: SunSynchronous Orbit (SSO), 500–550 km altitude, enabling daily revisits.
• Imaging Capability:
– 200+ narrow spectral bands (400–2500 nm).
– Sub12 metre spatial resolution.
– Can generate “spectral fingerprints” to differentiate materials (plastic vs vegetation, fuel vs soil, explosives residue, minerals, etc.).
– Far more advanced than multispectral satellites (Cartosat with 4–8 bands and 10–30 m resolution).
• Features:
– Agile pointing up to 30° offnadir.
– Realtime data relay through GSAT7/7A military communication system.
– 5year design life.
• PSLVC62 Payloads:
– 7 satellites from Dhruva Space (Thibolt3 IoT, LEAPTD technology demonstrator).
– Odisha’s CV Raman nanosatellite (studentoriented).
• Launch Anomaly:
– Thirdstage velocity shortfall, similar to PSLVC61.
– Failure Analysis Committee reviewing cause.
III. STRATEGIC & DEFENCE SIGNIFICANCE
1. Defence Intelligence (ISR) Enhancement
• Hyperspectral imaging can detect camouflaged assets such as tanks hidden under foliage, underground bunkers, altered soil, and military vehicle residues.
• Helps monitor PLA troop movement along the LAC (e.g., Depsang, Hot Springs) and terror camps along LoC.
• Detects chemical signatures — explosives, propellants, fuel leaks — giving predictive intelligence.
• Assists in submarine detection through wake turbulence and ocean colour anomalies.
2. NetworkCentric Warfare
• Syncs with GSAT7/7A communication satellites for realtime seamless data flow.
• Supports modern warfare doctrines under Agnipathenabled triservices integration.
3. Civil & Scientific Uses
• Agriculture: Crop stress monitoring, pest detection, drought mapping (relevant for Odisha’s rice belt).
• Mineral Mapping: Useful for Keonjhar and Sundargarh iron ore zones.
• Disaster Management: Forest fire stress mapping, oil spill detection, cyclone intensity tracking (useful after Fani, Yaas).
• Environmental Health: River pollution, coastline degradation, mangrove health, urban heat islands.
4. Risks & Challenges
• ASAT vulnerability (post2019 Mission Shakti precedents globally).
• Space debris risk due to growing lowEarth orbit congestion.
• Cybersecurity threats to satellite data.
• Need for rapid AIbased data processing to handle hyperspectral data volume.
IV. ECONOMIC, COMMERCIAL & PRIVATE SECTOR IMPACT
1. Private Sector Boost
• Dhruva Space achieved the landmark of launching 7 satellites in one mission — strong proof of India’s privatesector readiness.
• Enabled by space reforms (INSPACe 2020, NSIL commercialization).
• PSLV rideshares cost approx. ₹200–₹300 crore per launch.
2. India’s Space Economy
• India’s space economy projected to reach $44 billion by 2033 (from $8 billion).
• FDI cap increased to 74% in the satellite sector.
• Growing exports of satellite solutions to countries like France, Nepal, Brazil, etc.
3. Odisha’s Contribution & Benefit
• CV Raman nanosatellite encourages STEM innovation, entrepreneurship, and local satellites.
• Promotes Bhubaneswar’s emerging Space Park (₹500 crore investment pipeline).
• Enhances industrial and skill ecosystem under state programs like Make in Odisha.
• Job creation in satellite design, data analytics, robotics, and electronics.
4. Challenges
• Funding bottlenecks — private space funding still below 5% of potential.
• Talent shortage due to IIT/ISRO brain drain.
• IP security and competition from US and China.
V. UPSC PRELIMS PRACTICE QUESTIONS (WITH ANSWERS)
1. Anvesha satellite primarily uses which imaging technology?
a) SAR
b) Hyperspectral
c) Multispectral
d) Infrared
Answer: b) Hyperspectral.
2. PSLVC62 suffered anomaly in which stage?
a) PSOMXL
b) Vikas4K
c) Third Stage
d) Payload Deployer
Answer: c) Third Stage.
3. Which private firm launched 7 satellites on PSLVC62?
a) Skyroot
b) Agnikul
c) Dhruva Space
d) Pixxel
Answer: c) Dhruva Space.
4. Anvesha operates in which orbit?
a) GEO
b) LEO
c) SSO
d) MEO
Answer: c) SSO.
VI. UPSC/OPSC MAINS QUESTIONS WITH MODEL ANSWERS
Q1. (GS3, 15 Marks)
“Critically analyze how satellites like Anvesha augment India’s defence preparedness while highlighting associated technological challenges.”
Model Answer (250 words):
Satellites like Anvesha (EOSN1) significantly amplify India’s defence ISR capabilities in an era of hybrid and asymmetric warfare. Hyperspectral imaging enables detection of camouflaged military assets—vehicles, artillery, fuel depots, explosives—through spectral signatures not visible to optical or SAR satellites. This provides early warning of troop mobilization along sensitive borders such as the LAC and LoC.
Integration with GSAT7/7A communication satellites enables realtime data relay, enhancing triservices synergy under networkcentric doctrines. Civilmilitary fusion also supports environmental and disaster management operations, reducing dependence on foreign geospatial intelligence.
However, multiple challenges remain. The PSLVC62 thirdstage anomaly highlights launch reliability concerns. Hyperspectral satellites generate massive data requiring AI/ML for processing, yet India’s AI infrastructure is still maturing. Satellites remain vulnerable to cyberattacks and antisatellite weapons, especially from China’s rapidly advancing space forces. Spectrum management delays, privatesector capacity gaps, and limited indigenous semiconductor capability also constrain rapid development.
In conclusion, Anvesha strengthens deterrence and strategic autonomy under India’s Space Policy 2023, but technological and security challenges must be addressed to maximize its force multiplier potential.
Q2. (GS3, 10 Marks)
“PSLVC62’s private payloads signal a transformative phase for India’s space sector. Discuss implications for inclusive growth, especially for states like Odisha.”
Model Answer (150 words):
The PSLVC62 mission marks a significant milestone as private players like Dhruva Space launched seven satellites, demonstrating the maturity of India’s commercial space sector. This development is an outcome of INSPACe and NSILled reforms, which opened satellite launches, manufacturing, and data services to startups and MSMEs.
For Odisha, the CV Raman nanosatellite fosters a local innovation ecosystem. Bhubaneswar’s upcoming Space Park and partnerships with institutes like KIIT promote skill development, electronics manufacturing, and satellitebased services for fisheries, disaster management, and mining regulation. Satellite data enables better cyclone prediction and agricultural planning—critical for Odisha’s climatevulnerable districts.
While inclusive growth potential is high, challenges include limited funding, technological gaps, and dependency on central infrastructure. Nonetheless, PSLVC62 demonstrates how India’s space reforms can drive regional development and contribute to the broader Make in Odisha vision.
VII. SWOT ANALYSIS OF THE ANVESHA MISSION
Strengths:
• Hyperspectral capability with 200+ bands.
• Daily revisit via SSO orbit.
• Indigenous DRDO development.
• Privatesector participation.
Weaknesses:
• PSLV thirdstage anomaly.
• Data processing needs advanced AI.
• Limited redundancy in satellite fleet.
Opportunities:
• AI integration for realtime decisionmaking.
• Mineral mapping, agriculture, cyclone tracking.
• Boost to Odisha’s emerging space economy.
• International commercial launch market.
Threats:
• ASAT weapons and debris.
• Cyber espionage.
• Global competition from USA/China.
VIII. CONCLUSION
PSLVC62 and the Anvesha hyperspectral mission represent a critical step in India’s rise as a global space power. The mission’s strategic, economic, and developmental implications are wideranging—from enhancing defence ISR to opening doors for private innovation, from supporting Odisha’s scientific ecosystem to contributing to India’s vision of a $44 billion space economy by 2033. For UPSC and OPSC aspirants, the mission provides rich material for S&T, security, economy, governance, and statespecific development topics.