GSLV-F17 Launches EOS-05 Satellite
Why in News?
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched GSLV-F17 on 4 September 2026 from the Second Launch Pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The 51.7-metre-tall rocket carried the 2,367 kg EOS-05 Earth observation satellite. The launch vehicle placed the satellite into a Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit around 18–19 minutes after liftoff. The mission marks the 19th GSLV mission and the 107th launch from Sriharikota.
GSLV-F17 Mission: Key Facts
| Specifics | Details |
|---|---|
| Launch vehicle | GSLV-F17 |
| Organisation | ISRO |
| Launch date | 4 September 2026 |
| Launch site | Satish Dhawan Space Centre |
| Launch pad | Second Launch Pad |
| Payload | EOS-05 |
| Satellite mass | 2,367 kg |
| Rocket height | 51.7 metres |
| Mission number | 19th GSLV mission |
| Orbit | Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit |
What is GSLV?
GSLV stands for Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. It is a three-stage launch vehicle developed by ISRO. GSLV primarily launches heavier satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbits. It has greater payload capability than the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) for such missions. The GSLV programme also represents India’s efforts to develop indigenous heavy-lift launch capabilities.
EOS-05 Earth Observation Satellite
The EOS-05 satellite is designed for Earth observation. It is intended to monitor the Indian subcontinent and provide real-time images every 30 minutes. The satellite has an expected operational life of around nine years.
Earth observation satellites support several applications. These include agriculture, environmental monitoring, disaster management, mapping and weather-related studies.
Orbit and Launch Site
The satellite was placed into a Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Sub-GTO). Such transfer orbits help satellites reach their intended geosynchronous positions. A geosynchronous orbit is located approximately 35,786 km above Earth’s equator. The Satish Dhawan Space Centre is India’s primary spaceport. It is located on Sriharikota island in Andhra Pradesh and supports major PSLV and GSLV launches.
EOS-05 Satellite: Exam-Oriented Facts for Competitive Exams
- ISRO was established in 1969.
- ISRO functions under the Department of Space, Government of India.
- GSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle.
- GSLV-F17 carried the EOS-05 satellite.
- EOS-05 is an Earth observation satellite.
- Geosynchronous orbit: approximately 35,786 km altitude.
- Satish Dhawan Space Centre: Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
- GSLV is generally associated with heavier payloads than PSLV for geosynchronous missions.
