India launches EOS-05 satellite for near-real-time Earth observation

India launched its first imaging satellite for geosynchronous orbit Friday, sending the 2,367-kilogram EOS-05 into a sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit and giving the country a new capability for near-real time Earth observation PTI reported.

From the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, The Indian Space Research Organisation launched EOS – 05 on board GSLV -F17. The satellite was put into its intended orbit about 18 minutes after the liftoff, ISRO said. Then, it will be raised to a height of about 36,000 kilometers, where it will operate in geosynchronous orbit.

ISRO chairman V. Narayanan said: “I am very happy to announce that the GSLV F-17 vehicle has successfully and precisely injected the advanced EOS-05 geo imaging satellite in the intended and required orbit.”

Once it is operational, EOS-05 will keep watch on India and the neighborhood for agriculture, disaster management and strategic purposes. ISRO explained the country’s first imaging satellite from the geo-synchronous orbit.

EOS-05 is also the heaviest satellite carried by the GSLV, weighing over 2,300 kg. It is ISRO’s first successful launch in 2026 following a series of mission failures.