Watch Live: Isro's GSLV-F17 to liftoff with India's EOS-05 imaging satellite

The Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) is set to launch the GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05, an Earth observation satellite designed to image the planet from geosynchronous orbit.The launch is scheduled for Friday, September 4, 2026, at 2:55 am IST from the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota.WATCH GSLV-F17 LAUNCH LIVE Isro has confirmed that GSLV-F17 will place EOS-05 into a Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Sub-GTO).The mission marks the 19th flight of India's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). For this mission, the rocket is configured with a 4-metre-diameter ogive composite payload fairing, which protects the satellite during its journey through Earth's atmosphere.WHAT IS EOS-05 WHAT IS IT IMPORTANT?EOS-05 is a state-of-the-art Earth observation spacecraft and, according to Isro, will be India's first imaging satellite operating from geosynchronous orbit. Unlike most Earth observation satellites that travel in lower orbits and repeatedly pass over different parts of Earth, a geosynchronous satellite can remain positioned over a particular region for extended periods. Isro's GSLV-17 rocket is seen on the launch pad. (Photo: Isro) This makes the mission significant for India's Earth observation capabilities.Isro has said that the data from its Earth observation satellites are used for applications including agriculture, water resources, urban planning, environmental monitoring, forestry, ocean resources and disaster management.INDIA'S FIRST CRYOGENIC POWERHOUSEGSLV is a three-stage launch vehicle that combines solid, liquid and cryogenic propulsion. Isro's launch vehicle GSLV-F16 carrying the Nisar earth observation satellite lifts off. (Photo: PTI) Its indigenous cryogenic upper stage gives the rocket the capability to place roughly 2-tonne-class spacecraft into geosynchronous transfer orbits.GSLV-F17 will use its three stages to build up the velocity needed to send EOS-05 towards its intended orbit.After separation, the spacecraft will undertake the manoeuvres needed to reach its operational geosynchronous orbit.The mission also follows GSLV-F16's successful launch of the Nasa-Isro Nisar satellite in July 2025, and will be the 19th GSLV flight listed by Isro.- EndsPublished On: Sep 4, 2026 01:30 IST