The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the GSLV-F17 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 2:55 am IST on Friday. The mission placed the advanced Earth observation satellite, EOS-05, into its intended sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit. ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan confirmed the satellite was injected precisely into its orbit, where it will provide near-real-time imaging from an altitude of approximately 36,000 kilometers.
Mission Director Thomas Kurian stated that EOS-05 is the heaviest satellite ever deployed by a GSLV vehicle into a GTO or sub-GTO orbit. The 51.7-meter-tall rocket, which has a liftoff mass of 420.5 tonnes, represents the 19th mission for the GSLV program. Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh commended the achievement, noting the satellite's ability to conduct advanced imaging across visible, infrared, multispectral, and hyperspectral bands.
Following the launch, Dr. Narayanan confirmed that preparations are proceeding for the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission scheduled for later this year. ISRO plans six additional launches for the current financial year, including the NVS-03 navigation satellite, as the agency continues to strengthen India's position as a global space power.
