India has successfully launched its first Earth-imaging satellite designed to operate from geostationary orbit, with the Indian Space Research Organisation saying the spacecraft will provide real-time imagery for applications ranging from agriculture to disaster response.
The EOS-05 satellite was carried into its designated orbit aboard the GSLV-F17 launch vehicle, ISRO said.
“I am happy to announce that the GSLV-F17 launch vehicle has successfully and precisely placed the advanced EOS-05 geostationary imaging satellite into its designated orbit,” ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said.
Based on data received from the spacecraft, Narayanan said all systems were functioning flawlessly and that its solar panel had been successfully deployed.
“The satellite is in excellent condition,” he said.
Weighing more than 2,300 kg, EOS-05 is the heaviest spacecraft ever placed into orbit by a GSLV rocket, according to ISRO. The organisation said the launch proceeded strictly according to the planned trajectory.
Unlike many Earth-observation satellites, which operate in low Earth orbit, EOS-05 will operate at an altitude of about 36,000 km in geosynchronous orbit, where its speed is synchronized with the Earth's rotation.
ISRO has dubbed the spacecraft an “all-seeing eye” because it is designed to transmit images in real time. The imagery is expected to support a range of applications, including agriculture and disaster response.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the successful GSLV-F17 launch, saying the mission demonstrated the “highest level of skill, innovation and growing capability” of India's space sector.
He added that the mission would help expand India's broader space ecosystem.
By Tamilla Hasanova
