Sriharikota: India has achieved another milestone in its space programme with the successful launch of GSLV-F17, which placed the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite into its designated Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Sub-GTO).
The mission was launched from the Second Launch Pad (SLP) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, marking the 19th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
The GSLV-F17 uses a 4-metre-diameter ogive-shaped composite payload fairing, designed to protect the satellite during its journey through the atmosphere.
EOS-05: A new milestone in Earth observation
EOS-05 is a state-of-the-art Earth observation spacecraft and has a particular significance for India’s space programme as the country’s first imaging satellite to be placed in a Geosynchronous orbit.
The satellite is designed for Earth-observation applications, strengthening India’s ability to acquire and use space-based imagery for a range of national requirements.
Rajnath Singh hails successful mission
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Indian space sector on the successful GSLV-F17 mission, describing it as another important step in India’s space journey.
Singh said that the placement of EOS-05 in a Geosynchronous orbit would strengthen India’s Earth-observation capabilities and demonstrate the increasing technological sophistication of the country’s space programme.
He also highlighted the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in building a progressive, self-reliant and globally competitive space ecosystem.
According to the Defence Minister, the expanding partnership between ISRO and Indian industry is helping scale up innovation, strengthen indigenous capabilities and create new opportunities for India’s space ambitions.
A boost to India’s space ambitions
The successful GSLV-F17 mission highlights India’s growing capability to develop and deploy sophisticated satellites using indigenous launch technology. The mission also underlines the increasing participation of the Indian private sector and industry in the country’s expanding space ecosystem.
With EOS-05 now in its intended orbit, the mission adds a significant new capability to India’s Earth-observation programme and further strengthens the country’s position as an increasingly self-reliant and competitive space power.