ISRO GSLV-F17 Launch: EOS-05 Set for Liftoff as India Eyes First Geosynchronous Imaging Satellite

The Indian Space Research Organisation is preparing to return to the launch pad with the GSLV-F17 mission, which is scheduled to carry the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite into space from Sriharikota.

The mission is planned for liftoff at 2:55 am IST on September 4 from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The EOS-05 satellite is also known as GISAT-1A.

GSLV-F17 will be the 19th flight of India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle and is expected to end a gap of nearly eight months between major launches in the country's space programme.

The mission carries particular importance because EOS-05 is designed to become India's first imaging satellite to operate from geosynchronous orbit.

Unlike conventional Earth observation satellites placed in low-Earth orbit, which observe locations during specific passes, a geosynchronous imaging satellite can repeatedly monitor the same broad region from a much greater distance.

EOS-05 is expected to operate at an altitude of nearly 36,000 kilometres above Earth, allowing sustained observation of the Indian subcontinent and surrounding regions.

GSLV-F17 will initially place the satellite into a Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit, also known as Sub-GTO. The satellite will then use its onboard propulsion system to gradually raise its orbit before reaching its intended operational position.

The launch also represents an important second attempt to establish India's geosynchronous Earth imaging capability. An earlier GISAT mission launched aboard GSLV-F10 in August 2021 was unsuccessful after an anomaly involving the rocket's cryogenic upper stage prevented the satellite from reaching its intended orbit.

A successful GSLV-F17 mission would therefore mark an important milestone for India's space programme and demonstrate a new capability in persistent Earth observation.

The GSLV rocket has faced several challenges during its development history and was known for unpredictable performance during its early years. Six of its first 18 flights failed to achieve complete mission success, making the upcoming mission another important test of the launch vehicle's continued reliability.

EOS-05 is expected to support several important applications, including weather observation, disaster management, environmental monitoring and agricultural assessment.

The satellite could also help improve the monitoring of major weather and environmental events, including cyclones, floods and forest fires. Its ability to repeatedly observe the same geographical region could provide valuable information for disaster preparedness and response.

The mission is expected to restore launch momentum for India's space programme after the prolonged gap and strengthen the country's Earth observation infrastructure.

As preparations continue at Sriharikota, attention is focused on the early-morning GSLV-F17 liftoff. A successful mission could not only end India's recent launch gap but also open a new chapter in the country's space-based imaging and Earth observation capabilities.