India Launches GSLV-F17/EOS-05 Mission
India is set to achieve a significant milestone in space exploration with the launch of the GSLV Mark II rocket, scheduled for today, September 3, 2026. The rocket is designed to carry the EOS-05 Earth-imaging satellite to geosynchronous orbit, marking a first for India in this category of satellite launches.
Launch Details:
- Rocket: GSLV Mark II
- Time: September 3, 2026, at 5:25 p.m. EDT (2:55 a.m. IST on September 4)
- Place: Satish Dhawan Space Centre
How to Watch:
You can watch the launch live on YouTube or via coverage provided by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
About the GSLV Mark II:
- Height: 170 feet (52 meters)
- Total launches: 12 (10 successful)
- Designed for deploying satellites into geosynchronous orbit.
About EOS-05:
- Weight: 5,218 pounds (2367 kilograms)
- Purpose: To provide continuous observation of Earth, useful for both civilian and military applications, including monitoring weather and environmental events.
The satellite’s unique capability allows it to maintain constant coverage of specific areas on Earth, crucial for strategic monitoring.
This launch follows a previous setback in August 2021, where an attempt to place another Earth-observing satellite into geosynchronous orbit resulted in failure due to a third-stage anomaly. However, the GSLV rocket has recovered well, successfully completing its past four missions.
Image Credit: ISRO
For additional information, you can refer to the ISRO press kit or stay tuned to updates via mainstream news outlets.
