TL;DR

• <h2>India’s ‘Eye in the Sky’ Soars: ISRO’s EOS-05 Launched from Andhra Pradesh</h2><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><p>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.</p><blockquote><p>"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.</p></blockquote><p>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.</p><p>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.</p>