ISRO’s EOS-05 satellite has successfully reached geosynchronous orbit, enabling continuous subcontinent observation and strengthening India’s weather and strategic imaging capabilities.

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• EOS-05 completed its third and final orbit-raising manoeuvre on September 7, reaching an orbit of 34,903 km by 35,884 km.
• The satellite’s Liquid Apogee Motor fired for 1,247 seconds during the manoeuvre, while spacecraft health remained normal after orbital operations.
• EOS-05 will undergo health and system checks before activating imaging instruments and transmitting its first Earth observation images from geosynchronous orbit.
• The satellite is ISRO’s first Earth observation spacecraft placed directly into geosynchronous orbit, rather than a conventional circular geostationary orbit.
• EOS-05 is designed to provide dedicated imaging from geosynchronous orbit, generating important strategic data alongside applications supporting weather forecasting.
• The Indian Navy is expected to use the satellite’s imaging capabilities for strategic observation requirements, expanding India’s space-based security resources.
• GSLV F17 launched EOS-05 into a transfer orbit, after which manoeuvres progressively raised its perigee toward the geosynchronous region.
• Geosynchronous orbit was selected for specific observation objectives, while geostationary orbit remains a specialised subset offering fixed positioning over one location.