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India’s ‘Eye in the Sky’ Soars: ISRO’s EOS-05 Launched from Andhra Pradesh

In a moment of immense national pride and scientific triumph, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched EOS-05, the nation’s first-ever imaging satellite designed to monitor Earth from a geosynchronous orbit approximately 36,000 km above the planet. This monumental achievement, executed in the early hours of Friday, marks a significant milestone for India’s burgeoning space program.

The GSLV-F17 rocket, the 19th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, majestically lifted off at 2:55 am from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Just 18 minutes later, the powerful launch vehicle precisely placed the 2,367 kg EOS-05 satellite into its intended Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Sub-GTO). This makes EOS-05 the heaviest satellite ever carried by a GSLV, showcasing ISRO’s enhanced capabilities.

Dubbed India’s "eye in the sky," EOS-05 is equipped with multi-band operating capabilities, promising to deliver real-time imagery crucial for a multitude of sectors. Its strategic data will be invaluable for agriculture, environmental monitoring, and disaster management, among other critical national activities.

"I am very happy to announce that the GSLV-F17 vehicle has successfully and precisely injected the advanced EOS-05 geo-imaging satellite into the intended and required orbit," ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan announced at the Mission Control Room amid an eruption of joy.

This successful mission is particularly significant as it represents ISRO’s first triumphant launch in 2026, effectively reversing the setback experienced earlier in January with the PSLV-C62 mission. Dr. V. Narayanan hailed the launch as a major milestone, emphasizing that EOS-05 is the first Earth Observation Satellite placed on a geo-platform for national activities, providing strategic data for the country. Mission Director Thomas Kurien further highlighted the satellite’s unique configuration, capable of near-real-time imaging.

ISRO scientists will now embark on a series of orbit-raising manoeuvres over the coming days to elevate EOS-05 to its final geo-platform position, ensuring its optimal functioning as India’s dedicated imaging satellite from geo-orbit. This launch, the 107th from Sriharikota and the 19th GSLV mission overall, reinforces India’s growing prowess in space technology and its commitment to leveraging space for national development.