Sriharikota: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the GSLV-F17 rocket carrying the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, early on Friday, September 4.
The launch took place at 2:55 am IST from the Second Launch Pad. The GSLV-F17 successfully placed the 2,367 kg EOS-05 satellite into its intended Sub Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Sub-GTO).
EOS-05 is an Earth observation satellite and is the first Indian imaging satellite designed to operate from a geosynchronous orbit. After separating from the rocket, the satellite will carry out orbit raising manoeuvres using its onboard propulsion system before reaching its operational orbit.
The satellite is designed to operate at an altitude of about 35,786 km above the equator. From geosynchronous orbit, it can remain aligned with the Earth’s rotation and observe the same broad region repeatedly.
The mission is also significant for India’s GSLV programme. GSLV-F17 is the 19th flight of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. The rocket belongs to the GSLV Mk II family and uses an indigenous cryogenic upper stage.
The GSLV has often been referred to as “Naughty Boy” because of its earlier launch failures. One of its notable setbacks came in August 2021, when the GSLV-F10 mission carrying the EOS-03 satellite failed to place the spacecraft into orbit after a problem during the cryogenic upper stage operation.
The latest mission follows the successful launch of GSLV-F16 carrying the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite in July 2025. GSLV-F17 is also the first GSLV mission since that launch.
With EOS-05 now in its transfer orbit, the next stage involves raising the satellite to its designated geosynchronous orbit. Once operational, EOS-05 will provide repeated Earth imaging and add to India’s Earth observation capabilities.
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