India has added a new capability to its Earth-observation programme with the successful launch of EOS-05, an advanced Earth-observation satellite designed for imaging from geosynchronous orbit. The satellite was launched aboard GSLV-F17 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on September 4, 2026. ISRO describes EOS-05 as India’s first imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit, marking an important step in high-altitude Earth imaging.
Following launch, EOS-05 underwent a series of orbit-raising manoeuvres. The third and final manoeuvre was completed successfully on September 7, placing the spacecraft in an orbit of approximately 34,903 × 35,884 km. ISRO reported that the satellite was healthy after the manoeuvre.
From its geosynchronous vantage point, EOS-05 is expected to provide valuable Earth-observation data and strengthen India’s capabilities for monitoring large-scale changes over the country and surrounding regions. The mission also demonstrates the GSLV’s continuing role in placing sophisticated spacecraft into high orbits.
