ISRO successfully placed the advanced EOS-05 Earth observation satellite into orbit aboard the GSLV-F17 rocket despite rain at Sriharikota, strengthening India’s capabilities in disaster management, agriculture, environmental monitoring and border surveillance
ISRO successfully launched the GSLV-F17 carrying the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite from Sriharikota. The satellite is designed to provide frequent imagery for weather monitoring, disaster management, agriculture, environmental planning and border surveillance.
Sriharikota: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the GSLV-F17 rocket carrying the advanced EOS-05 Earth observation satellite despite rain at Sriharikota in the early hours of Friday. The satellite is expected to strengthen India’s ability to monitor weather conditions and the country’s borders from an altitude of around 26,000 kilometres.
The mission is expected to play an important role in disaster management, agricultural development and border surveillance. Equipped with advanced imaging capabilities, the satellite is designed to capture the Earth’s surface even under cloudy conditions and provide data that can assist authorities in monitoring and responding to natural disasters.
The successful mission also provides technical confidence to ISRO scientists ahead of preparations for future human spaceflight missions, including the Gaganyaan programme.
The launch marks the 19th mission of the GSLV series. The rocket carried the heaviest satellite in the series, with EOS-05 weighing 2,367 kilograms.
The satellite is equipped with technology capable of transmitting clear, near-real-time images every 30 minutes during normal conditions. During emergencies such as floods or cyclones, it can provide images as frequently as every five minutes.
EOS-05 carries sensors operating across visible, infrared, multispectral and hyperspectral bands. These capabilities are designed to provide detailed imagery even when cloud cover makes conventional observation difficult.
The satellite’s frequent imaging capability can support monitoring and forecasting of cyclones, flash floods, wildfires and landslides. It can also assist security and defence agencies in maintaining surveillance along India’s border regions.
The satellite is expected to provide real-time data that can support agricultural and environmental management. Information on crop health, reservoir water levels, forest coverage and urban planning can help policymakers and authorities make more informed decisions.
The mission also represents a significant technological recovery following the failure of the GSLV-F10 mission in 2021. That rocket, which was carrying the EOS-03 satellite, failed during its cryogenic stage. The latest success demonstrates the continued capability and reliability of ISRO’s indigenous cryogenic technology.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated ISRO scientists on the successful launch of the GSLV-F17 carrying the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite.
In a post on X, Modi described the achievement as another outstanding accomplishment by ISRO and a moment of pride for the country. He said the placement of India’s first advanced imaging satellite into geosynchronous orbit demonstrates the excellence, innovation and growing capabilities of India’s space sector.
The Prime Minister also said the mission would expand the country’s overall space ecosystem and further strengthen collaboration between ISRO and Indian industry.
The GSLV-F17 launch is ISRO’s first launch from Sriharikota during the current financial year. ISRO has set a target of conducting six major launches during the financial year, including uncrewed test missions for the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme.
