India news: ISRO launces first imaging satellite into orbit

India is set to mark a significant spaceflight milestone today, as it launches its first ever geosynchronous Earth-imaging satellite. The launch of this 5,218-pound (2367 kilograms) satellite, designated EOS-05, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre is scheduled for 5:25 p.m. EDT (2:55 a.m. on Sept. 4 IST). The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will broadcast the event live, starting 30 minutes prior to liftoff.

The GSLV Mark II rocket, standing 170 feet (52 meters) tall, will be used for the launch. This rocket has a proven track record with 12 flights under its belt, of which 10 have been successful. It was first launched in 2010, and its predecessor, the GSLV Mark I, had six successful flights between 2001 and 2010, with two launch failures.

EOS-05, the payload of this mission, is a state-of-the-art Earth observation spacecraft. It is India's maiden imaging satellite orbiting at geosynchronous altitudes. Geosynchronous orbit (GEO) is situated 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometers) above Earth, where orbital speed aligns with the planet's rotation, enabling spacecraft to hover over a specific area on Earth's surface.

The ability to maintain persistent coverage over GEO could prove beneficial for monitoring the Indian subcontinent, strategic assets, severe weather and environmental events. The Economic Times reported that EOS-05's capacity for continuous observation could potentially serve both civilian and military applications.

India had attempted to place an Earth-observing satellite in GEO previously, in August 2021, via a GSLV Mark II rocket. However, an anomaly in the rocket's third stage led to the satellite's loss. Despite this setback, the rocket rebounded in May 2023, achieving four consecutive successful launches. Today's launch will be the third orbital mission for India in 2026, following missions conducted via ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (which failed in January) and Skyroot Aerospace's Vikram-1 rocket (which successfully completed India's first private orbital launch in July).