After earlier mission failures, ISRO is set to launch GISAT-1A (EOS-05), aiming to regain near real-time Earth observation from geostationary orbit.

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• ISRO is preparing to launch GISAT-1A, also known as EOS-05, more than four years after the failure of the original GISAT-1 mission.

• GISAT-1A will replace EOS-03, lost during the GSLV-F10 launch on August 12, 2021, due to a cryogenic upper stage anomaly.

• The satellite belongs to the 2.2-tonne class and is designed for frequent, near real-time geo-imaging of the Indian subcontinent.

• GISAT-1A will support civilian applications such as agriculture, disaster management, forestry, oceanography, glacier monitoring, and cloud property analysis.

• The satellite also holds strategic relevance by enabling all-weather, cloud-free monitoring, assisting operational planning and situational awareness for India’s armed forces.

• GISAT-1A has completed key milestones at UR Rao Satellite Centre and awaits final clearance for transportation to Sriharikota spaceport.

• ISRO has issued a Notice to Airmen for the GSLV-F17 mission, with a tentative launch window between February 20 and March 5.