Overview
- The GSLV‑F17 lifted off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre early Friday and injected the 2,367 kg EOS‑05 into its planned sub‑geosynchronous transfer orbit.
- ISRO confirmed the satellite is healthy, with solar panels deployed, and said EOS‑05 will use its onboard thrusters to raise and circularise into its operational geosynchronous position.
- Post‑flight data indicate the rocket’s third stage delivered extra orbital energy to EOS‑05, a development ISRO officials say may reduce fuel needs for orbit raising and could lengthen the mission’s life.
- The success ends an almost eight‑month pause after earlier launch failures in 2025–2026 and validates upgrades to the GSLV heavy‑lift vehicle on its 19th flight.
- Once in place, EOS‑05 will give continuous, near‑real‑time imaging of the Indian subcontinent for weather forecasting, disaster response, agriculture and strategic monitoring, and ISRO has said multiple launches are planned this financial year including navigation satellites and an uncrewed Gaganyaan test.