Sriharikota, India – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the state-of-the-art Earth observation satellite EOS-05 on Friday, marking a significant comeback after a quiet year. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) on its 19th flight placed the EOS-05 into the intended Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, 18 minutes after liftoff from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The satellite, weighing 2,367 kg, is India’s first-ever imaging satellite to monitor from Geosynchronous orbit, about 36,000 km above the Earth.
ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan announced the success, stating, “I am very happy to announce that the GSLV-F17 vehicle has successfully and precisely injected the advanced Earth observation satellite EOS-05 in the intended and required orbit.” He added that this was the 107th launch from the spaceport and the 19th mission of the GSLV. The chairman noted that the performance of the vehicle has been improved over time, optimising structural mass and propulsion systems to carry the heaviest satellite to date. Once operational, the EOS-05 will become India’s first dedicated imaging satellite from Geo Orbit, providing real-time imagery and important strategic data for agriculture, environment, disaster management, and national security.
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The successful launch comes as a huge relief for ISRO, which has not carried out any launch activities since the failure of the PSLV-C62 mission carrying the EOS-N1 satellite on January 12, 2026. The space agency had taken a cautious approach after back-to-back failures. The EOS-05 satellite replaces the unsuccessful GSLV-F10/EOS-03 mission from August 2021, putting behind the technical anomaly that caused its failure. The mission’s success marks a new chapter for ISRO’s Earth observation capabilities and its ability to deliver strategic space assets for the nation.
