News Desk: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday successfully launched the GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05, India’s first imaging satellite designed to operate from a geosynchronous orbit, marking a significant boost to the country’s Earth-observation and surveillance capabilities. The 51.7-metre GSLV-F17 lifted off from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 2:55 am. Following a flight of around 19 minutes, the rocket precisely placed the EOS-05 satellite into its intended sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit. EOS-05, also known as GISAT-1A, is designed to provide high-frequency imaging of the Earth. Unlike conventional Earth-observation satellites in lower orbits, its geosynchronous positioning will allow it to keep a particular region under continuous observation for extended periods.
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The satellite is expected to strengthen India’s capabilities in disaster management, agriculture, water-resource monitoring, urban planning, forestry and environmental observation. Its ability to provide frequent imagery could also support strategic and national-security requirements, including surveillance of sensitive areas along India’s borders. The mission is particularly important for ISRO as GSLV-F17 is the 19th flight of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. The rocket has earned the informal nickname “Naughty Boy” because of earlier mission failures, making Friday’s successful flight a notable return to form for the launch vehicle.
EOS-05 weighs about 2,367 kg, making it the heaviest satellite launched by the GSLV, according to reports. After separation from the launch vehicle, the spacecraft will carry out further manoeuvres to reach its operational geosynchronous orbit. The successful mission also represents a major step forward in India’s efforts to develop persistent space-based Earth observation, combining civilian applications with enhanced strategic surveillance capabilities.
