Isro launches EOS-05, India's 1st imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit

The 2,367-kg EOS-05, India's heaviest Earth observation satellite so far, was placed in its intended sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit about 18 minutes after lift-off

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) on Friday successfully launched India’s first dedicated imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit from the spaceport in Sriharikota.

 

The EOS-05 satellite, dubbed “The eye in the sky,” was launched using a GSLV-F17 rocket at 2.55 am on Friday from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre. This came after a 27-hour countdown that began on Wednesday evening.

 

The rocket’s payload mass was 2,367 kilograms, making it India’s heaviest Earth observation satellite so far.

 

Isro said the EOS-05 satellite was successfully placed in the intended sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit (sub-GTO), about 18 minutes after it lifted off.

 

“Yet 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,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in an X post.

 

 

The geosynchronous imaging capabilities of the EOS-05 satellite will enable persistent, high-frequency observation of large regions rather than relying only on periodic satellite revisits, which is increasingly critical for India.

 

This can be strategically valuable for tracking rapidly evolving weather systems, floods and forest fires, and monitoring agriculture and natural resources. It could also strengthen situational awareness across India’s land and maritime domains.

 

“Another giant leap for India in Space! Kudos to Team Isro on the successful launch of GSLV-F17/EOS-05. 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, multi-spectral and hyperspectral bands,” Jitendra Singh, science and technology minister, said.

 

GSLV-F17 is the 19th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).

 

Isro Chairman V Narayanan said the launch vehicle precisely injected the advanced earth observation satellite into its intended orbit, and this was the 107th launch from Sriharikota. “We have improved the performance of GSLV vehicle by optimising the structural mass, improving the propulsion system and today we have injected the heaviest satellite using this launch vehicle,” Narayanan said.

 

Mission director Thomas Kurian said the mission is a proof of India’s ability to achieve complex space missions through its technological strength and collective endeavour. “The real opportunity now lies in translating this rich, frequent satellite data into actionable intelligence through India’s private space and geospatial ecosystem. This mission also reaffirms the deepening partnership between Isro and India’s private space industry, whose components and expertise increasingly power such national systems,” said Lt. Gen. AK Bhatt (retd.), director general, Indian Space Association (ISpA). “As India’s ecosystem matures under robust policy frameworks and with support from Isro, milestones like this will build the confidence needed to scale commercial participation further,” he added.

 

Australia eyes space-sector tieups in India 

 

Australia is looking to deepen commercial cooperation with India’s rapidly expanding space sector, with earth observation, small satellite manufacturing, launch and return services, tracking, testing capabilities through some of the universities, additive manufacturing and space biotechnology as possible areas of focus, said a senior official at the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade).

 

The country is targeting India’s private space industry through mutually beneficial cooperation, which may extend beyond conventional space through tie-ups to even microgravity research in the pharmaceutical sector. The country is expected to sign around three to five memoranda of understanding with Indian companies during the Bengaluru Space Expo (BSX) next week, said Nathan Davis, trade and investment commissioner, Austrade, in New Delhi.