ISRO Successfully Launches EOS-05 Aboard GSLV-F17, Marks Major Milestone for Space Programme of India

ISRO Successfully Launches EOS-05 Aboard GSLV-F17, Marks Major Milestone for Space Programme of India

New Delhi, September 04, 2026 [VoM News]: Waking up to the news of another successful launch can really brighten up a Friday! Just this pre-dawn, ISRO’s mighty GSLV rocket, carrying the Earth observation satellite EOS-05, soared into the sky from the Sriharikota spaceport in Andhra Pradesh. The colossal rocket lifted off precisely at 2:55 am IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.

And the good news doesn’t stop there! Soon after touching the heavens, the EOS-05 satellite found itself placed perfectly in its designated sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit.

“I am incredibly happy to share that our GSLV-F17 vehicle has successfully and accurately inserted the advanced Earth observation satellite EOS-05, also known as the Geo-Imaging Satellite, into the intended and required orbit,” announced ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan with pride.

Mission Director for the GSLV-F15 mission, Thomas Kurian, highlighted the significance of this launch: “This is a moment of great pride and happiness for all of us. The success of GSLV marks its 19th mission, carrying the EOS-05. This is a uniquely configured Earth observation satellite capable of near-real-time imaging and happens to be the heaviest satellite ever launched by GSLV into a GTO or sub-GTO orbit.” He emphasized that behind these few exhilarating minutes of launch lies months, and even years, of dedicated, meticulous effort.

So, what exactly does EOS 5 do? This innovative satellite is designed to give India an unceasing “bird’s-eye view” of our vast nation from a staggering height of approximately 36,000 kilometers above the Earth!

The GSLV-F17 is a true behemoth, standing at 51.7 meters tall with a liftoff mass of a whopping 420.5 tonnes, firmly establishing it as one of India’s most substantial operational launch vehicles.

Fueling India’s Global Space Dominance

Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, showered praise on ISRO’s achievement. He declared, “India’s capabilities in space continue to climb to new heights, cementing our position as a leading global space power.” He also took to X to share, “EOS-05 is a state-of-the-art Earth Observation satellite and India’s first imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit, enabling advanced imaging across visible, infrared, multispectral and hyperspectral bands.”

The Next Big Frontier: Gaganyaan

And what about the much-anticipated human spaceflight mission? ISRO chief Narayanan also gave an update on Friday, stating that “vigorous, systematic work” is well underway for the maiden uncrewed Gaganyaan mission. Activities are proceeding “vigorously and systematically” for the launch this calendar year. He expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his inspiring leadership and further revealed that the space agency has six more launches, including the navigation satellite NVS-03, planned for the current financial year.

Here’s to more giant leaps for India in the cosmos!