ISRO Launches EOS-05 on GSLV-F17
ISRO has successfully launched EOS-05, India’s first dedicated imaging satellite designed to operate from a geosynchronous orbit, aboard the GSLV-F17 rocket from Sriharikota. The mission marks another major step in India’s Earth observation capabilities after the satellite was precisely injected into its intended transfer orbit.
GSLV-F17 Successfully Launches EOS-05
The 51.7-metre-tall GSLV-F17 lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 2.55 am on Friday.
The three-stage rocket successfully placed the approximately 2,367-kg EOS-05 satellite into a sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit with a perigee of about 171 km and an apogee of 31,026 km.
EOS-05 will now use its onboard propulsion system to gradually move into its final operational geosynchronous orbit.
EOS-05 Is India’s First Geosynchronous Imaging Satellite
EOS-05 is India’s first dedicated imaging satellite designed to operate from geosynchronous orbit, allowing it to observe large geographical areas for extended periods.
The spacecraft is expected to provide strategic Earth observation data and significantly expand India’s ability to conduct continuous imaging from high altitude.
India already operates several Earth observation satellites, but most function in low-Earth or sun-synchronous polar orbits.
GSLV Carries Its Heaviest Payload Yet
GSLV-F17 carried the heaviest payload launched by the GSLV programme so far, reflecting improvements in the rocket’s propulsion and structural efficiency.
The mission was the 19th flight of the GSLV and used an indigenous cryogenic upper stage.
ISRO has several more missions planned during the current financial year, including the NVS-03 navigation satellite and the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission.
The EOS-05 success is particularly significant following the failure of ISRO’s PSLV-C62 mission earlier in 2026.
