The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone on Friday with the successful launch of EOS-05, an advanced Earth observation satellite designed to operate from geosynchronous orbit.
The 2,367-kg satellite was carried aboard the GSLV-F17, which lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 2.55 am. Around 18 minutes later, the satellite was separated from the launch vehicle and placed in its intended sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit.
Satellite to provide frequent, near real-time imagery
EOS-05 will now undergo a series of orbit-raising manoeuvres before reaching its final geosynchronous orbit, about 36,000 km above Earth. From there, it will be able to remain over the same broad region as the planet rotates.
A senior scientist involved in the mission described EOS-05 as an “eye in the sky”. The satellite is intended to provide near real-time images and frequent observations of India and neighbouring areas.
Its data is expected to have applications in agriculture, forestry and water-body monitoring, while also supporting disaster management. The satellite will be used for monitoring cyclones, cloudbursts, thunderstorms and other natural events that require quick assessment.
A crucial success for the GSLV
The mission carries added importance for ISRO as it marks the first successful GSLV launch since the GSLV-F10/EOS-03 mission failed in August 2021. That mission was aborted 307 seconds after liftoff following an anomaly involving the cryogenic upper stage.
Friday's launch was also ISRO's first successful launch of 2026 and came after the PSLV-C62 mission failed in January.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said the satellite would provide strategic data once it becomes operational.
“I am very happy to announce that the GSLV-F17 vehicle has successfully and precisely injected the advanced EOS-05 geo-imaging satellite into the intended and required orbit,” Narayanan said after the launch.
“This is the 107th launch from Sriharikota and the 19th mission of GSLV,” he added.
Heaviest satellite launched by GSLV
The mission also marked a new achievement for the launch vehicle, with EOS-05 becoming the heaviest satellite injected by a GSLV into a GTO or sub-GTO orbit.
Mission Director Thomas Kurien said, “It is the heaviest satellite ever launched by GSLV into a GTO or sub-GTO orbit.”
Narayanan said the satellite was healthy after separation and its solar panel had been deployed successfully.
“The health of the satellite is perfectly alright,” he said. “In the coming days, we will raise the orbit and take it to the required orbit and place the satellite in the geo platform,” he added.
The 420.5-tonne GSLV is a three-stage rocket with a cryogenic engine powering its third stage. ISRO has planned six more missions during the current financial year, including a navigation satellite launch from Sriharikota.