Full Breakdown
ISRO Launches EOS-05, India’s First Geosynchronous Imaging Satellite
9/6/2026, 8:05:55 PM
Launch Overview
On September 4, 2026 ISRO lifted off the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-F17 (GSLV-F17) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, at 2.55 a.m. local time. Eighteen minutes after liftoff the 2,367-kg EOS-05 satellite was placed into a Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, marking the 19th flight of the GSLV family and the 107th launch from Sriharikota.
Background and Recent Setbacks
The launch ended an eight-month hiatus after the PSLV-C62 failure on January 12, 2026. Earlier setbacks included PSLV-C61 (May 18 2025) and a cryogenic anomaly on GSLV-F10/EOS-03 (August 12 2021), which led ISRO to postpone several missions in early 2026.
Technical Details and Mission Profile
- Payload mass: 2,367 kg (heaviest launched by a GSLV).
- Rocket: 51.7 m tall, lift-off mass 420.5 t, three-stage with cryogenic upper stage.
- Orbit: Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, to be raised to a geosynchronous orbit at ~36,000 km.
- Purpose: Continuous Earth observation for agriculture, environmental monitoring, disaster management and strategic data.
Official Statements & Responses
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said satellite valves and the solar panel were operating perfectly and that orbit-raising maneuvers would begin shortly. He noted the incremental improvements to the GSLV, citing the first GSLV launch’s 1,536-kg payload.
Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh called EOS-05 a “state-of-the-art Earth Observation satellite” that enhances imaging across visible, infrared, multispectral and hyperspectral bands.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am very happy to announce that the GSLV-F17 vehicle has successfully and precisely injected the advanced Earth observation satellite EOS-05 into the intended and required orbit, “ ISRO Chairman Dr.” — V. Narayanan, ISRO Chairman
- “EOS-05 is a state-of-the-art Earth Observation satellite and India’s first imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit, enabling advanced imaging across visible, infrared, multispectral and hyperspectral bands,” — Jitendra Singh, Technology Minister
Timeline
Future Plans
ISRO plans six more missions this financial year, including a navigation satellite launch from Sriharikota, and aims to proceed with the uncrewed Gaganyaan mission later in the year.
Impact
EOS-05, dubbed the “Eye in the Sky,” will deliver continuous, high-resolution imagery of India and neighboring regions, supporting agriculture, disaster response and strategic monitoring. Its successful deployment restores confidence in ISRO’s launch capability after recent setbacks.
