ISRO Kicks Off New Year with Crucial Hyperspectral Satellite Launch

• ISRO to launch 'PSLV C62 / EOS-N1' mission on January 12 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, marking a crucial start to the new year.
• The primary satellite, EOS-N1, is a hyperspectral imager capable of identifying objects' nature through hundreds of wavelengths, aiding analysis of minerals, crops, water, and land use.
• 18 additional small satellites for Indian and international customers will also be launched, with services marketed by ISRO's commercial arm, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL).
• ISRO's busy schedule includes the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission, a Technology Demonstration Satellite (TDS-01), and the launch of the first industry-built PSLV.
• The industry-built PSLV will deploy Oceansat-3A, an Indo-Mauritius joint satellite, and Leap-2, with Oceansat-3A crucial for ocean, atmosphere, and land studies.

Why It Matters: ISRO begins the year with a significant hyperspectral satellite launch and a packed schedule of advanced missions.