ISRO's GSLV-F17 Lifts Off With Advanced Earth Observation Satellite
ISRO successfully launched its GSLV-F17 rocket carrying the EOS-05 earth observation satellite from Sriharikota in a pre-dawn mission.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, designated GSLV-F17, in the early hours of Friday. The rocket carried the EOS-05 earth observation satellite into space, marking another milestone for India's space programme.
The 51.7-metre-tall launch vehicle lifted off from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at precisely 2:55 am. The launch site is located approximately 135 kilometres from Chennai. Despite rainy conditions, the rocket's ascent illuminated the pre-dawn sky.
With a liftoff mass of 420.5 tonnes, the GSLV-F17 is among India's largest operational launch vehicles. The mission is designed to place the EOS-05 satellite into a geostationary orbit, nearly 36,000 kilometres above the Earth's surface.
From this vantage point, the satellite will provide India with a continuous, bird's-eye view of the nation. This capability is expected to enhance monitoring of natural resources, weather patterns, and other geospatial applications critical for national development and security.