ISRO's GSLV-F17 Successfully Places EOS-05 Satellite in Orbit
ISRO's GSLV-F17 rocket successfully launched the EOS-05 earth observation satellite, a historic first for India's geo-imaging capabilities.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone early Friday with the successful launch of its GSLV-F17 rocket carrying the EOS-05 earth observation satellite. The mission lifted off from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 2:55 am, with the satellite reaching its intended orbit approximately 18 minutes later.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan confirmed that the vehicle precisely injected the advanced satellite into a Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit. At 2,367 kg, EOS-05 is the heaviest satellite ever carried by a GSLV rocket. This mission marks the 19th flight of the GSLV and is ISRO's first major success of the year, breaking an eight-month gap since its last launch.
The success is particularly significant as it follows recent setbacks, including a PSLV mission failure in January. The GSLV-F17 mission also serves as a replacement for the unsuccessful GSLV-F10/EOS-03 mission of 2021, which failed due to an anomaly in the cryogenic upper stage. ISRO has since implemented improvements to enhance the vehicle's reliability.
EOS-05 is India's first dedicated imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit. Once operational, it will provide near-real-time, persistent monitoring of the Indian subcontinent. The satellite's capabilities are expected to support various applications, including agriculture, disaster management, and strategic data collection. ISRO Chairman noted the satellite's assured lifetime is seven years, with expectations it could function for over nine.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the achievement, highlighting the growing partnership between ISRO and Indian industry. Union Minister Jitendra Singh also hailed the launch, noting the satellite's advanced imaging across visible, infrared, multi-spectral, and hyperspectral bands.
Looking ahead, ISRO is targeting six more launches this financial year. Chairman Narayanan also provided updates on the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme, stating that substantial development work, including safety systems, has been completed and the mission is progressing.