• Source:JND
HighLights
  1. ISRO successfully launched EOS-05 Earth observation satellite.
  2. GSLV-F17 rocket precisely placed satellite into orbit.
  3. EOS-05 is India's first geosynchronous imaging satellite.

India achieved another major milestone in space exploration on Friday as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite aboard the GSLV-F17 rocket. The rocket lifted off at 2:55 am IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Soon after the launch, the satellite was successfully placed into its intended sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit.

GSLV-F17 Successfully Completes Mission

The successful launch marked the 19th flight of India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). ISRO Chief Dr V Narayanan announced that the rocket precisely placed the EOS-05 satellite into its required orbit. “I am very happy to announce that the GSLV-F17 vehicle has successfully and precisely injected the advanced Earth observation satellite EOS-05, the Geo-Imaging Satellite, into the intended and required orbit,” Narayanan said.

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Mission Director Thomas Kurian highlighted the mission was particularly important because EOS-05 was the heaviest satellite ever launched by GSLV into a GTO or sub-GTO orbit. Kurian said, “It is a moment of great pride and happiness for all of us. The success of GSLV has completed its 19th mission, and the mission carried the EOS-05, a uniquely configured Earth observation satellite capable of near-real-time imaging. It is the heaviest satellite ever launched by GSLV into a GTO or sub-GTO orbit. A launch lasts only a few minutes, but behind those few minutes are months and years of rigorous effort.”

What Is EOS-05?

EOS-05 is an advanced Earth observation satellite designed to provide India with a continuous bird's-eye view of the country from a height of nearly 36,000 kilometres above Earth. According to ISRO, EOS-05 is India's first imaging satellite designed to operate from geosynchronous orbit. It is expected to strengthen India's ability to observe and monitor different parts of the country for various applications.

Why Is Is Significant?

The launch is significant as most satellites operate in lower orbits and pass over different parts of the Earth repeatedly. However, the EOS-5 satellite is designed to provide near-real-time imaging, which can help in monitoring and understanding changes on the ground. ISRO has said that data from its Earth observation satellites are used for several areas, including agriculture, water resources, urban planning, environmental monitoring, forestry, ocean resources, and disaster management.

Union Minister Highlights India's Growing Space Capabilities

Union Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh also congratulated ISRO on the successful mission and said that India's space capabilities are continuing to grow. “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. With the visionary leadership of PM Narendra Modi, India’s space capabilities continue to scale new heights, strengthening our position as a global space power,” the minister said.

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