Published: 5 February 2026The WeekScience & Technology
ISRO Gears Up for GISAT-1A Launch; India's First Geostationary Earth Observation Satellite
ISRO announced preparations for the GSLV-F17 mission carrying GISAT-1A (EOS-05), India's first geostationary Earth observation satellite. The 2.2-tonne satellite will sit in a geostationary orbit at 36,000 km, providing near real-time continuous monitoring of the Indian subcontinent every 5 minutes. A NOTAM was issued covering February 20 to March 5, 2026.
GISAT-1A replaces GISAT-1 (EOS-03) lost during a GSLV-F10 failure in August 2021 due to a cryogenic upper stage malfunction. The satellite carries a multi-spectral and hyperspectral imaging payload for disaster monitoring, cyclone tracking, cloud burst prediction, and agricultural crop monitoring. Rajasthan stands to benefit from real-time desert locust tracking and drought assessment capabilities.
0Mains angle
Q: Discuss the operational significance of ISRO's upcoming GISAT-1A geostationary Earth observation satellite, particularly for disaster monitoring and agricultural applications relevant to Rajasthan.
Answer (50 words):
ISRO's GSLV-F17 will launch GISAT-1A (EOS-05), India's first geostationary Earth observation satellite, between February 20 and March 5, 2026. The 2.2-tonne satellite at 36,000 kilometres provides continuous subcontinental monitoring every five minutes via multi-spectral and hyperspectral payloads. It replaces GISAT-1 (EOS-03), lost during GSLV-F10's August 2021 cryogenic-stage failure.
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Linked questionMedium
GISAT-1A (EOS-05) is a replacement for which satellite that was lost during a GSLV failure in 2021?
Explanation · Correct answer BGISAT-1A replaces GISAT-1 (EOS-03) lost during GSLV-F10 failure in August 2021 due to a cryogenic upper stage malfunction. GISAT-1A will provide near real-time continuous monitoring from geostationary orbit.
Frequently asked questions
What is GISAT-1A EOS-05 and why is it called India's first geostationary Earth observation satellite?
**GISAT-1A (EOS-05)** is India's **first dedicated geostationary Earth observation satellite**, positioned at **36,000 km** altitude. Unlike polar orbit satellites that pass over a region periodically, it provides **continuous near-real-time monitoring every 5 minutes** over the Indian subcontinent and is being launched via **GSLV-F17** by **ISRO**.
What are the key capabilities of ISRO GISAT-1A for disaster management and agriculture?
**GISAT-1A (EOS-05)** carries **multi-spectral and hyperspectral imaging payload** enabling: **disaster monitoring** (floods, wildfires), **cyclone tracking**, **cloud burst prediction**, and **agricultural crop monitoring**. For **Rajasthan** specifically, it enables **real-time desert locust tracking** and **drought assessment** due to its continuous coverage from geostationary orbit.
Why is ISRO launching GISAT-1A and what happened to the original GISAT-1 EOS-03?
**GISAT-1A** replaces **GISAT-1 (EOS-03)**, which was lost when **GSLV-F10** failed in **August 2021** due to a **cryogenic upper stage malfunction**. The original mission would have made India the first country to have a dedicated geostationary Earth observation satellite. The replacement mission uses **GSLV-F17** with a **NOTAM window of February 20 to March 5, 2026**.
How often will GISAT-1A monitor India and what orbit will it be in?
**GISAT-1A (EOS-05)** will be placed in **geostationary orbit at 36,000 km altitude**, allowing it to monitor the **Indian subcontinent every 5 minutes** continuously. This near-real-time cadence far surpasses polar-orbiting satellites and enables timely disaster response, cyclone tracking, and agricultural surveillance.
How will GISAT-1A help Rajasthan with locust and drought monitoring?
**GISAT-1A** offers **Rajasthan** continuous high-frequency imaging from geostationary orbit, enabling **real-time desert locust tracking** across the Thar Desert and **drought assessment** by monitoring vegetation indices and soil moisture. This supports early warning systems for Rajasthan's agriculture-dependent communities vulnerable to both locust invasions and erratic monsoons.
