The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the GSLV-F17 mission from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on September 4, 2026. The launch was conducted from the centre’s second launch pad, with the rocket carrying the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite.
GSLV-F17 lifted off in the early hours of September 4, 2026, according to the scheduled programme. The rocket completed the initial stages of the mission successfully after launching from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
Around 19 minutes after launch, GSLV-F17 successfully placed EOS-05 into its designated sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit. The satellite will undergo the required orbital procedures to reach its operational orbit.
EOS-05 is an Earth observation satellite developed for monitoring and imaging the Earth from space. It has been designed for Earth observation from a geosynchronous orbit, which can support continuous monitoring of large geographical areas.
Data obtained from the satellite can be used in areas including agriculture, water resources, forest areas, environmental monitoring, urban development, marine resources and disaster management. Satellite imagery and other data can also support various government and scientific activities.
GSLV, or Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, is one of India’s launch vehicles used to carry heavy satellites to higher orbits around Earth. The vehicle has three stages using solid, liquid and cryogenic propulsion technologies.
The mission also used indigenous cryogenic technology. The cryogenic engine provides additional capability required to place heavy satellites into higher-altitude orbits.
The successful launch of EOS-05 adds capability to India’s Earth observation system. Data from the satellite can support monitoring of natural resources and planning related to various development activities.
Earth observation technology is also used to assess conditions during natural disasters. Space-based data can support the monitoring of floods, cyclones, forest fires and other events.
The GSLV-F17 mission comes as ISRO continues its Earth observation, communication and scientific satellite programmes. Once EOS-05 becomes operational, data from the satellite will contribute to India’s space-based monitoring and Earth study capabilities.
