Daijiworld Media Network – Sriharikota

Sriharikota, Sep 4: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully placed the advanced Earth observation satellite EOS-05 into its intended orbit aboard the GSLV-F17 mission, marking a significant milestone in India’s space programme.

ISRO Chairman V Narayanan, speaking at a press conference in Sriharikota on Friday, described the mission as an “incredible achievement” for the country and said the satellite was in perfect health.

The mission is significant as EOS-05 is India’s first Earth observation satellite to be positioned on a geosynchronous platform around 36,000 km above Earth. The satellite is expected to provide high-quality, near-real-time imagery for applications including agriculture, disaster management and monitoring of the country and surrounding regions.

Narayanan said EOS-05 has an assured operational life of seven years, but expressed confidence that it could remain functional for up to nine years. He also noted that it is the heaviest satellite lifted by the GSLV to date and the second successful mission undertaken by ISRO during the current financial year.

Narayanan also said preparations for the first uncrewed mission under the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme are progressing at full pace, with the mission targeted for launch during the current calendar year.

Describing Gaganyaan as a technology-intensive programme, he said around 8,000 tests have already been completed. Since human safety is the top priority, ISRO has planned three uncrewed missions before undertaking the crewed mission.

The space agency is also targeting six more launches during the current financial year.

The successful GSLV-F17 mission further strengthens ISRO’s capabilities in placing heavier satellites into high-altitude orbits and comes as India expands its use of space-based technology for Earth observation and national applications.