ISRO successfully launches India’s first-ever imaging satellite EOS-05

Mangalore Today News Network

Chennai, Sep 4, 2026: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched EOS-05, India’s first dedicated imaging satellite designed to operate from geosynchronous orbit, in the early hours of Friday, marking the space agency’s first successful launch of 2026.

The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F17), on its 19th mission, lifted off at 2:55 am from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, around 110 km from Chennai. About 18 minutes after liftoff, the rocket successfully placed the EOS-05 satellite into its designated Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Sub-GTO).

The successful mission comes months after the PSLV-C62 mission encountered an anomaly during its critical third stage in January. Weighing 2,367 kg, EOS-05 is the heaviest satellite ever carried by a GSLV.

Described as India’s “eye in the sky,” EOS-05 is equipped with multi-band imaging capabilities designed to provide near-real-time imagery. The satellite is expected to support applications including agriculture, environmental monitoring, disaster management and other strategic 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 from the Mission Control Room amid celebrations.

The launch marked the 107th mission from Sriharikota and the 19th GSLV flight.

“Today, we have injected the heaviest satellite—2,367 kg—using this launch vehicle. Once EOS-05 is operationalised in orbit, it will become India’s first dedicated imaging satellite from geo-orbit, providing strategic data for the country,” Narayanan said, adding that the satellite was in normal health.

The ISRO chief described the achievement as a major milestone for India’s space programme, noting that EOS-05 is the first Earth Observation Satellite placed on a geostationary platform for national applications.

Over the next few days, ISRO scientists will carry out a series of orbit-raising manoeuvres to move the satellite from its initial transfer orbit to its final geostationary position.

Mission Director Thomas Kurien said the mission carried a uniquely configured EOS satellite capable of near-real-time imaging. He also noted that EOS-05 is the heaviest satellite ever launched by the GSLV into a GTO or sub-GTO orbit.