ISRO Scores Major Space Success with EOS-05 Launch from Sriharikota

India’s first imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit was successfully launched by a GSLV rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota in the wee hours today. ISRO said that the state-of-the-art Earth observation spacecraft EOS-05 was successfully placed into sub-geosynchronous orbit about 18 minutes after it lifted off from the spaceport. After the completion of a smooth 27-hour countdown, the GSLV-F17 rocket, with a 2,367 kg payload mass, began its ascent on dot at 2.55 AM from the second launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The imaging satellite will provide real-time imagery and help the nation in areas including agriculture and disaster management. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan said the mission will further strengthen India’s Earth observation capabilities and improve the delivery of Earth observation services.