ISRO's GSLV-F17 launches EOS-05, India's first imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit
On 4 September 2026, ISRO launched GSLV-F17 from Sriharikota and Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the successful launch of GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05, India's first-ever imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit.
Summary
ISRO launched the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite on GSLV-F17 at 02:55 AM IST on 4 September 2026, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the mission the same day as a proud moment for the nation. EOS-05 is India's first-ever imaging satellite operating from geosynchronous orbit. GSLV-F17, the 19th flight of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle with a 4 m ogive composite payload fairing, lifted off from the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota, and placed EOS-05 into a sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit (sub-GTO). Narendra Modi said the growing partnership between ISRO and Indian industry is adding strength and scale to the space programme.
Key facts
- Satellite
- EOS-05 (Earth observation)
- Launch
- 4 Sep 2026, 02:55 AM IST
- Launch vehicle
- GSLV-F17, 19th GSLV flight
- Launch site
- Second Launch Pad, SDSC SHAR, Sriharikota
- Orbit reached
- Sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit (sub-GTO)
- First
- India's first imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit
Practice MCQs 3 questions
EOS-05, launched by ISRO in September 2026, is India's first imaging satellite from which orbit?
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Correct answer: A — Geosynchronous orbit
The PM described EOS-05 as India's first-ever imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit.
Which launch vehicle carried ISRO's EOS-05 satellite?
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Correct answer: C — GSLV-F17
EOS-05 was launched on GSLV-F17.
Consider the following statements about the GSLV-F17/EOS-05 mission: 1. GSLV-F17 lifted off from the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota. 2. GSLV-F17 placed EOS-05 directly into its final geostationary orbit, without a transfer orbit. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct. Statement 2 is wrong: GSLV-F17 placed EOS-05 into a sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit (sub-GTO), and ISRO then raised the orbit through manoeuvres.