Successful launch of EOS-05 via GSLV-F17 boosts India's Earth observation capabilities
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Earth imaging satellite EOS-05 from Sriharikota using the GSLV-F17 rocket and placed it into its designated orbit. EOS-05 is capable of observing Earth in visible, infrared, multi-spectral, and hyper-spectral bands from an altitude of approximately 36,000 km. Its data can be utilized in sectors such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, natural resource assessment, and disaster management. GSLV-F17 marks the 19th launch of the GSLV mission and demonstrates India's capability to place heavy payloads into GTO or Sub-GTO orbits.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the state-of-the-art Earth imaging satellite EOS-05 using the GSLV-F17 rocket. The launch took place at 2:55 AM from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. Following the launch, EOS-05 was successfully placed into its designated orbit.
Achievement of the GSLV Mission
The launch of GSLV-F17 marks the 19th mission in the GSLV series. This mission demonstrates the reliability of India's indigenous launch vehicle and its capability to deliver heavy payloads to designated orbits.
Key Capabilities of EOS-05
EOS-05 is capable of continuous monitoring of the Indian region from an altitude of approximately 36,000 kilometers. The satellite can capture images of Earth across visible, infrared, multi-spectral, and hyper-spectral bands. Acquiring data across various spectral bands enables a more comprehensive study of the Earth's surface.
Significance of Earth Observation
Data obtained from Earth observation satellites like EOS-05 can be utilized in sectors such as agriculture, environmental monitoring, natural resource assessment, and disaster management. The capability to observe Earth in near real-time can aid in making policy-making and resource management more effective.
Features of GSLV-F17
The GSLV-F17 measures 51.7 meters in length, and its lift-off weight is reported to be approximately 420.5 tonnes. According to the Mission Director, EOS-05 is the heaviest satellite launched by the GSLV into GTO or Sub-GTO orbit to date. This achievement is significant for India's heavy satellite launch capabilities.
Why is it important for UPSC?
This news primarily relates to GS Paper-3 (Science and Technology). It can be linked to topics such as Remote Sensing, Earth Observation, Satellite Technology, Geospatial Technology, Agriculture, Disaster Management, and Natural Resource Management. In the context of UPSC questions regarding the role of Earth observation satellites, their applications—such as agricultural monitoring, early disaster warning, environmental monitoring, and resource mapping—are crucial.
