ISRO GSLV-F17 Mission: EOS-05 Set To Deliver India’s First Geostationary Earth Imaging Satellite on Sept 4
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Summarized by AI; it may make mistakes. Check important info
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch the GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05, an Earth observation satellite designed to provide frequent, near-real-time imagery of the Indian subcontinent from geosynchronous orbit.
GSLV-F17 To Launch EOS-05 From Sriharikota
According to details published by ISRO, GSLV-F17 will be the 19th flight of India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
The mission will lift off from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, with the rocket carrying a 4-metre-diameter Ogive composite payload fairing.
GSLV-F17 is designed to place EOS-05 into a Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Sub-GTO).
EOS-05: India’s First Geostationary Imaging Satellite
ISRO describes EOS-05 as a state-of-the-art Earth observation spacecraft and India's first imaging satellite designed to operate from geosynchronous orbit.
The satellite is also known by the series name GISAT-1A, forming part of ISRO's GEO Imaging Satellite programme. The space agency refers to the mission as GSLV-F17/EOS-05.
Unlike conventional Earth observation satellites in low Earth orbit, EOS-05 will operate at an altitude of about 36,000 km above the equator. Its orbital period will match Earth's rotation, allowing it to remain positioned over the same broad region.
Near-Real-Time Images Every 30 Minutes
The geosynchronous orbit is expected to allow EOS-05 to repeatedly observe the Indian subcontinent and surrounding areas.
The mission profile envisages imagery at intervals of around 30 minutes, while priority targets could potentially be revisited in as little as five minutes.
Such frequent observations could be particularly useful for tracking events that develop rapidly and require repeated monitoring.
From Cyclones To Agriculture And Disaster Management
EOS-05 is expected to have a wide range of Earth observation applications, including monitoring:
- Weather systems and cloud formations
- Agricultural conditions
- Changes in land and water bodies
- Floods and cyclones
- Forest fires and other disasters
- Areas requiring security and strategic observation
The satellite's ability to repeatedly monitor the same region could provide agencies with more frequent updates during fast-changing weather and disaster situations.
Operating an imaging spacecraft from nearly 36,000 km above Earth also presents significant technical challenges, as the satellite must capture detailed images across a large area while maintaining precise pointing and stable operations.
GISAT Programme Returns After 2021 Setback
The mission follows the failed GISAT-1 launch attempt in August 2021, when the GSLV-F10 mission did not place the satellite into orbit after an issue during the flight.
The GSLV-F17/EOS-05 mission represents another opportunity for ISRO to demonstrate persistent Earth imaging from geosynchronous orbit and advance India's capabilities in high-frequency Earth observation.
