Sriharikota (Andhra Pradesh), 04 September (H.S.): India achieved another major milestone in the space sector on Friday as the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Earth observation satellite EOS-05 aboard the GSLV-F17 rocket from Sriharikota before dawn. The launch, witnessed by ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan and several former ISRO chiefs, is considered historic in several respects.

According to ISRO, around 18 minutes after liftoff, India’s first imaging satellite was successfully placed into geosynchronous orbit. EOS-05 will provide images in near real time, which will support sectors such as agriculture and disaster management. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said the mission would further strengthen India’s Earth observation capabilities.

The Indian Space Research Organisation said the launch carried out using the GSLV-F17 rocket marked the 19th flight of the GSLV. The satellite was launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 2:55 a.m. on September 4, nearly three hours after midnight. It is India’s first advanced geosynchronous imaging satellite. The objective of the EOS-05 mission is to provide critical information while the satellite orbits the Earth after being placed in a sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit.

A large number of astronomy enthusiasts were present at the ISRO centre to witness the launch. Around 22 minutes after liftoff, the mission director announced that the launch had been successful. Following the announcement, ISRO Chairman Narayanan shared several key details about the mission. He said that once the Earth observation satellite becomes operational in orbit, it will become India’s first dedicated imaging satellite from geostationary orbit, providing strategically important data for the country.

ISRO Chairman Narayanan said Thursday’s launch marked ISRO’s 107th launch from Sriharikota. He said the GSLV-F17 has reached its present operational configuration following continuous improvements and upgrades to the launch vehicle. The ISRO chief said that, apart from support from the industrial sector, the success of the mission was the result of teamwork among ISRO scientists. He also highlighted the important role played by the families of members of the scientific community.

He said that, in accordance with the Prime Minister’s directions, ISRO is moving forward with a target of carrying out six more launches. He added that active work is also underway on the Gaganyaan mission. On the country’s space startups, the ISRO chief said that the environment in India is positive.

Narayanan said EOS-05 is the heaviest satellite launched so far on a GSLV vehicle. Following the success of the historic mission, the scientists associated with it and Mission Director Thomas Kurian congratulated the people of the country and raised the slogan “Jai Hind” in unison. ISRO official Imtiyaz said, “Once you have the courage to aim high, the height of the sky becomes irrelevant.” He said the entire team worked together on the heaviest satellite and a highly complex mission. Whenever there were moments of uncertainty or morale weakened, senior officials extended their full support.

What is EOS-05?

EOS-05 is an advanced Earth observation satellite whose primary function is to image the Earth from space. It weighs approximately 2,367 kilograms. EOS-05 has been specifically designed to capture images of the Earth from geosynchronous orbit. Once positioned in this orbit, the satellite will be able to repeatedly observe a large area of the Earth. The mission has been undertaken by NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) as a dedicated launch for a strategic user. Along with EOS-05, 18 co-passenger satellites belonging to users in India and other countries have also been launched.

What is GSLV-F17?

GSLV-F17 is the 19th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). The rocket is approximately 51.7 metres long and has a lift-off mass of around 420.5 tonnes. It was launched from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The rocket is fitted with an ogive composite payload fairing measuring four metres in diameter, inside which EOS-05 was housed.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar