Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday hailed the successful launch of the GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05, describing the achievement as a “proud moment” for the country and praising the growing capabilities
of India’s space sector.
Taking to X, PM Modi said the successful mission reflected India’s progress in space technology, innovation and capabilities.
“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,” the Prime Minister posted.
PM Modi also highlighted the increasing collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the country’s space industry.
“The growing partnership between ISRO and Indian industry is adding new strength and scale to our space programme and expanding India’s capabilities across the entire space ecosystem,” he said.
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… https://t.co/fXzwnSmwAF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2026
ISRO Launches GSLV-F17
ISRO’s GSLV-F17 rocket successfully placed the advanced Earth observation satellite EOS-05 into its designated Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit on Friday, marking another major achievement for India’s space programme.
The 51.7-metre launch vehicle took off as scheduled at 2:55 am from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The rocket illuminated the rain-soaked night sky before completing the deployment mission.
“LIFT-OFF! GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05 lifts off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, SHAR, Sriharikota,” ISRO said in a post on X shortly after launch.
EOS-05 is the first Indian imaging satellite developed to function from a geosynchronous orbit. The satellite is expected to enhance India’s capacity to capture imagery of extensive areas at frequent intervals, supporting applications such as Earth observation and monitoring.
The GSLV-F17 mission marks the 19th flight of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle. The rocket is equipped with a 4-metre-diameter ogive composite payload fairing and has been configured to place EOS-05 in its designated Sub-GTO.
The mission also attracted students, teachers and space enthusiasts to Sriharikota, many of whom turned up despite the wet weather. For the students in attendance, the launch provided an opportunity to witness India’s expanding capabilities in space and satellite technology from close quarters.
