Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday congratulated the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on the successful launch of the GSLV-F17 rocket carrying the Advanced Earth Observation Satellite-05 (EOS-05), describing the mission as another major achievement for India’s space programme.
In a post on X, Modi praised the scientists and engineers involved in the mission and said the successful launch reflected the country’s growing capabilities in space technology.
“Yet another outstanding achievement by ISRO and a proud moment for our nation. The successful launch of GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05, India’s first-ever imaging satellite from Geosynchronous orbit is a reflection of the excellence, innovation and growing capabilities that define India’s space sector,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister also pointed to the expanding role of private companies in India’s space sector. He said the growing cooperation between ISRO and Indian industry was helping strengthen the country’s space programme and expanding capabilities across the wider space ecosystem.
The GSLV-F17 mission successfully placed EOS-05 into its designated orbit after lifting off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The launch was conducted from the Second Launch Pad.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan described the mission as a significant achievement and confirmed that the satellite was in good health following its deployment.
“I am very happy to announce that the GSLV-F17 vehicle has successfully and precisely injected the Advanced Earth Observation Satellite 05, the geo-imaging satellite, in the intended and required orbit,” Narayanan said.
He noted that EOS-05, weighing 2,367 kg, was the heaviest satellite launched using the GSLV-F17 vehicle.
“Today, we have injected the heaviest satellite, 2367 kgs, using this launch vehicle. The health of the satellite is perfectly alright,” the ISRO chief said.
Once fully operational, EOS-05 is expected to become India’s first dedicated imaging satellite operating from the geosynchronous orbit. The satellite is designed to provide Earth observation data with potential strategic applications.
The GSLV-F17 mission is the 19th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. During the mission, the rocket carried EOS-05 towards a Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Sub-GTO).
The successful mission marks another step forward for India’s ambitions in advanced satellite technology while highlighting the growing capabilities of both ISRO and the country’s broader space industry.
