ISRO successfully launched Earth observation satellite EOS-05

Having had a quiet year so far, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is back on a winning streak with the successful launch of the state-of-the-art Earth observation spacecraft EOS-05.

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On its 19th flight, the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) placed EOS-05 into its intended Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit 18 minutes after it lifted off from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota at 2:55 am on Thursday (September 4, 2026).

EOS-05 is India’s first ever imaging satellite that monitors from a geosynchronous orbit about 36,000 km above the Earth.

“I am very happy to announce that the GSLV-F17 vehicle has successfully and accurately injected the advanced Earth observation satellite EOS-05 into the intended and required orbit,” said ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan.

He added that this is the 107th launch from the spaceport at Sriharikota and the 19th mission of GSLV.

“The first launch of GSLV-D1 was carried out with a payload of 1536 kg. From this, we gradually improved the performance of this vehicle by optimizing the design weight and improving the propulsion systems, and today we injected the heaviest satellite, a satellite weighing 2367 kg, using this launch vehicle,” he added.

The ISRO chairman said that once the Earth observation satellite EOS-05 is put into orbit, it will become India’s first dedicated imaging satellite from Geo Orbit to provide important strategic data for our country.

“From the satellite data, we confirm that all the valves are working perfectly, the solar panel is deployed and the health of the satellite is absolutely fine. In the coming days, we will raise the orbit and take it to the required orbit and place the satellite on the Geo platform for national activities,” the ISRO chairman said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday (September 4, 2026) hailed the successful launch of the country’s first-ever imaging satellite into geo-orbit, saying it was a proud moment for the country.

“Another outstanding achievement by ISRO and a proud moment for our nation. The successful launch of GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05, India’s first-ever imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit, is a reflection of the excellence, innovation and growing capabilities that define India’s space sector,” PM Modi said in a post on X.

“The growing partnership between ISRO and Indian industry adds new strength and scale to our space program and expands India’s capabilities across the space ecosystem,” he added.

Secretary of State in the Ministry of Space Jitendra Singh wrote on X: “Another giant leap for India in space! Kudos to @isro team for the successful launch of GSLV-F17/EOS-05. EOS-05 is a state-of-the-art Earth observation satellite and India’s first geosynchronous orbit imaging satellite, enabling advanced infrared, multi-spectral imaging across the visible band. visionary leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, India’s space capabilities continue to reach new heights and strengthen our position as a global space power.”

Dubbed the “Eye in the Sky,” the EOS-05 satellite will provide real-time imagery in addition to helping agriculture, the environment, disaster management and more.

The successful launch of EOS-05 is a huge relief for ISRO, which has not conducted any launch activities since the failure of the PSLV-C62 mission carrying the EOS-N1 Earth observation satellite on January 12, 2026.

Since the failure of PSLV-C62 and PSLV-C61 on May 18, 2025, the space agency has taken a cautious approach and refrained from any launches.

Although seven missions, including GSLV-F17/EOS-05, were scheduled to take place in the first quarter of 2026, ISRO has not launched any satellites.

The successful launch of the 2367 kg EOS-05 satellite is also behind the failure experienced by ISRO in August 2021 with the GSLV-F10 / EOS-03 mission.

At that time, the GSLV-F10 / EOS-03 mission performance was normal during the first and second phases. However, cryogenic ignition of the upper stage did not occur due to a technical anomaly, and the mission remained unsuccessful. The EOS-05 satellite replaces the failed EOS-03 mission.

Published – 04 Sep 2026 03:05 IST