ISRO's GSLV-F17 puts EOS-05 in orbit, ending a seven-month launch gap
ISRO launched the EOS-05 (GISAT-1A) Earth observation satellite on GSLV-F17 from Sriharikota early on 4 September 2026 IST. It was ISRO's first successful launch of 2026 after two PSLV failures.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite aboard GSLV-F17 from the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, in the early hours of 4 September 2026 (IST). ISRO confirmed that the rocket placed the satellite in its intended orbit.
Mission at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Rocket | GSLV-F17 (three-stage GSLV) |
| Satellite | EOS-05, also called GISAT-1A |
| Mass | About 2,367 kg |
| Initial orbit | Sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit |
| Final position | Geosynchronous orbit above the Indian region |
| Planned life | About nine years |
Why this satellite matters
Most Earth observation satellites circle the planet in low orbits and pass over a given spot only now and then. EOS-05 is designed to work from geosynchronous orbit, about 36,000 km up, where it can watch the same large region continuously. That allows frequent, near-real-time images of the Indian subcontinent, useful for tracking:
- Cyclones, floods and other fast-changing weather events
- Forest fires and disasters
- Crops, water bodies and land use
The satellite replaces GISAT-1 (EOS-03), which was lost in August 2021 when GSLV-F10 failed.
A return to form for ISRO
The launch ended a seven-month gap and was ISRO's first successful mission of 2026. It followed two PSLV failures: PSLV-C61 in May 2025 and PSLV-C62 in January 2026. A successful GSLV flight helps restore confidence in India's launch programme ahead of a busy schedule that includes more Earth observation missions and Gaganyaan test flights.
Frequently asked questions
When was EOS-05 launched?
In the early hours of 4 September 2026 IST, on GSLV-F17 from Sriharikota.
What does EOS-05 do?
It observes the Indian region continuously from geosynchronous orbit, helping track weather, disasters and land use.
Sources
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