Sriharikota: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday successfully launched the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite aboard its GSLV-F17 rocket, marking a significant milestone in India’s space and remote-sensing capabilities.
The 51.7-metre-tall, 420.5-tonne three-stage GSLV-F17 lifted off from the second launch pad at Sriharikota at 2:55 am and precisely placed the approximately 2,367-kg satellite into its intended geosynchronous transfer orbit.
The satellite was injected into an orbit with a nominal perigee of 171 km, an apogee of 31,026 km and an inclination of 19.28 degrees. It will subsequently be manoeuvred into its final orbit using onboard thrusters.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan said the mission achieved its objective with precision, highlighting that EOS-05 is India’s first dedicated imaging satellite designed to operate from a geosynchronous orbit. The satellite is expected to provide valuable strategic Earth-observation data.
The mission also marked the 19th flight of the GSLV and the 107th launch from Sriharikota. Narayanan noted that the vehicle’s payload capacity has steadily improved, with GSLV-F17 carrying the heaviest payload in the rocket’s history.
EOS-05 further strengthens India’s Earth-observation infrastructure, which had 21 operational Earth-observation satellites as of February 2026. ISRO has six more launches planned during the financial year, including NVS-03 and the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission.
