ISRO's EOS-05: India's First Imaging Satellite in Geosynchronous Orbit
ISRO launched EOS-05 on GSLV-F17, India's first imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit, for weather, agriculture, and disaster monitoring.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has added a new capability to its Earth observation fleet with the successful launch of the EOS-05 satellite. The spacecraft was carried into space by the GSLV-F17 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on September 4, 2026.
This mission is notable because EOS-05 is India's first imaging satellite designed to operate from a geosynchronous orbit. Unlike conventional observation satellites that work from lower orbits, this positioning allows the spacecraft to keep a continuous watch over vast geographical regions.
The GSLF-F17 rocket, standing 51.7 metres tall with a lift-off mass of 420.5 tonnes, placed the roughly 2,367-kg satellite into its intended Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. This flight marked the 19th mission for the GSLV series.
From its higher vantage point, EOS-05 is expected to offer frequent imaging of large areas. This capability makes it a valuable tool for tracking weather systems and rapidly developing events. The data gathered is intended to support disaster management efforts, including the assessment of floods and cyclones, as well as applications in agriculture, environmental assessment, and natural resource management.