On January 12, 2026, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Anvesha satellite, also known as EOS-N1, aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C62). The launch took place at 10:17 am from the first launch pad at Sriharikota. Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Anvesha is a hyperspectral Earth observation satellite designed to enhance India's surveillance capabilities.
The Anvesha satellite carries advanced hyperspectral sensors capable of capturing hundreds of narrow spectral bands within a single image. This technology enables the detection of materials and objects that are invisible to the naked eye, making it a valuable asset for strategic and defense applications. For instance, it can identify camouflaged military assets, troop movements, concealed weapons, and other equipment. According to space analyst Girish Linganna, Anvesha can spot enemy tanks hidden under camouflage, illegal border activities concealed by vegetation, and even crops suffering from diseases that appear healthy to normal cameras.
The mission, executed by NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm, also included the placement of 15 smaller satellites into orbit from both Indian and international customers. This launch increases the total number of foreign satellites launched by India to 442. The co-passenger satellites come from various countries, including Mauritius, Luxembourg, the UAE, Singapore, Europe, and the United States. These satellites include Earth-imaging satellites, space debris trackers, Internet-of-Things communication nodes, and university research CubeSats.
The launch of Anvesha is particularly significant for ISRO after experiencing setbacks in previous missions. The PSLV-C62 mission signifies a confident return for ISRO.
Boosting India's Private Space Ecosystem
The launch of Anvesha also signifies the increasing role of private players in India's space ecosystem. In June 2020, the Indian government launched IN-SPACe, an autonomous body that encourages private participation in the space sector. As of March 2025, IN-SPACe had received over 658 applications in areas such as satellite development and deep space exploration, with over 1,200 startups and 6,400 users registered on its digital platform.
India's space economy was valued at US$8.4 billion in 2022, accounting for approximately 2% of the global market. Projections estimate that it will grow fivefold to Rs. 3,75,320 crore (US$ 44 billion) by 2033, capturing 8-10% of the global share. This growth is fueled by private capital, innovation, and global investor interest. Since 2020, over 200 spacetech startups have emerged in India, including Pixxel, Dhruva Space, and Skyroot, which are developing launch vehicles, Earth observation satellites, and real-time space-data analytics.
The rise of private space companies is supported by India's 2023 Space Policy. Several private companies have partnered with ISRO, gaining access to its facilities and expertise. The Indian government is also promoting the growth of the space sector by establishing manufacturing facilities and transferring technologies to small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Furthermore, the government plans to create a US$119 million venture capital fund for space startups in India.
