The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch the GSLV-F17 mission carrying the GISAT-1A satellite, also designated EOS-05, towards the end of May 2026 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota. The GISAT-1A is a geo-imaging Earth observation satellite weighing approximately 2,100 kilograms that will operate from a geostationary orbit. Unlike satellites in low Earth orbit that pass over a region only periodically, a satellite stationed in geostationary orbit can provide near-continuous observation of the Indian subcontinent. This makes GISAT-1A particularly valuable for rapid monitoring of natural hazards and disasters such as floods, cyclones and landslides, where timely imagery is critical for response. The satellite is designed to deliver high-resolution multi-spectral and hyper-spectral images, enabling monitoring of agriculture, forestry, water resources, urban development and natural disasters. The launch vehicle is the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II), the largest operational launch vehicle developed by India. It is a three-stage vehicle with four liquid strap-on motors, and its third stage uses the indigenously developed and flight-proven cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS). The mission follows a stage-3 failure of the PSLV-C62 in ISRO's first launch of 2026 in January, making a successful GSLV-F17 flight an important confidence-building milestone. The geo-imaging capability significantly strengthens India's disaster management, agriculture planning and resource monitoring infrastructure, contributing to the country's space-based governance and early-warning ecosystem.
ISRO Prepares to Launch the GSLV-F17 Mission Carrying the GISAT-1A (EOS-05) Geo-Imaging Satellite for Real-Time Earth Observation and Disaster Monitoring from Satish Dhawan Space Centre Sriharikota in Late May 2026
ISRO is preparing to launch the GSLV-F17 mission carrying the GISAT-1A (EOS-05) geo-imaging satellite (about 2,100 kg) into geostationary orbit from Sriharikota in late May 2026 for near-continuous Earth observation and disaster monitoring of the Indian subcontinent.
Key facts
- ISRO is preparing the GSLV-F17 mission carrying GISAT-1A (EOS-05) for launch from Sriharikota in late May 2026
- GISAT-1A is a geo-imaging Earth observation satellite of about 2,100 kg operating from geostationary orbit
- Geostationary positioning enables near-continuous observation of the Indian subcontinent for rapid disaster monitoring
- It delivers high-resolution multi-spectral and hyper-spectral imagery for agriculture, forestry, water and urban monitoring
- The launch vehicle GSLV Mk II is a three-stage vehicle with four liquid strap-ons and an indigenous cryogenic Upper Stage
- It follows the PSLV-C62 stage-3 failure in ISRO's January 2026 launch, making this an important confidence-building flight
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Which launch vehicle is ISRO using for the GSLV-F17 mission carrying the GISAT-1A (EOS-05) geo-imaging satellite scheduled in late May 2026?
The GISAT-1A (EOS-05) mission uses the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II), a three-stage vehicle with four liquid strap-on motors and an indigenously developed, flight-proven cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS). It is the largest operational launch vehicle developed by India for this class of geostationary mission.
Source: ISRO
Frequently asked questions
What is GISAT-1A and from where will it be launched?
GISAT-1A, also designated EOS-05, is a geo-imaging Earth observation satellite of about 2,100 kg that ISRO is preparing to launch on the GSLV-F17 mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, in late May 2026.
Why is a geostationary orbit important for GISAT-1A?
From geostationary orbit the satellite can provide near-continuous observation of the Indian subcontinent, which is critical for rapid monitoring of disasters such as floods, cyclones and landslides.
Which launch vehicle is used for the GISAT-1A mission?
The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II), a three-stage vehicle with four liquid strap-on motors and an indigenous cryogenic Upper Stage.
What setback preceded this mission in 2026?
ISRO's first launch of 2026 in January suffered a stage-3 failure of the PSLV-C62, making a successful GSLV-F17 flight an important confidence-building milestone.
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