The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched the EOS-05 satellite, weighing 2,367 kg, as part of its Earth observation programme. The launch took place on Friday from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, located in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This new satellite aims to enhance India’s capabilities in Earth observation, contributing valuable data for various applications.
What ISRO chief V Narayanan said after the launch
These include weather monitoring, agriculture and other Earth observation needs. The satellite is also designed to collect images in visible, infrared, multi-spectral and hyperspectral bands. This gives scientists and agencies different types of information about the Earth’s surface and atmosphere. Think of this rocket as a heavy-duty delivery truck built specifically to carry giant payloads deep into space. “This success is the culmination of the hard work of the entire ISRO team along with our industrial partners and academia. On this occasion, I congratulate each and every one of you.
Because the GSLV has had a mixed record in the past, the launch is noteworthy. Of its first 18 missions, six did not achieve full success. This makes EOS-05 useful for applications that need regular information over broad areas. To protect the sensitive 2,367 kg satellite from burning up as it blasted through Earth’s atmosphere, engineers fitted the rocket with a tough, 4-metre-wide protective shield. This win proves once again that ISRO’s GSLV rocket programme is one of India’s most reliable workhorses, following its last big success in July 2025 when it launched the joint NASA-ISRO satellite (NISAR).
Because of these unpredictable results during its development, the rocket has even earned the informal nickname “Naughty Boy” within ISRO.ISRO Chief V Narayanan confirmed that the satellite had been placed precisely into its intended orbit and said its health was normal after the launch. “I am very happy to announce that the GSLV-F17 vehicle has successfully and precisely injected the Advanced Earth Observation Satellite 05, the geo-imaging satellite, in the intended and required orbit,” Narayanan said right after the mission success was announced at the space centre. This is a great achievement in our country’s space programme,” he said.
