ISRO GSLV-F17 Launch: EOS-05 Satellite Successfully Placed in Sub-GTO, Mission Details

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has celebrated an important achievement in its space program by launching the GSLV-F17 mission. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) has launched its 19th flight with the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite (referred to as GISAT-1A). 

The GSLV-F17 flight took off smoothly from the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota, India. In this mission, the GSLV placed the spacecraft in its target sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (sub-GTO) for continuous space-based imaging and monitoring.

Mission Key Highlights 

The GSLV-F17 launched at 2:55 AM IST, marking the start of a carefully planned flight. After approximately 19 minutes. The GSLV placed the satellite into orbit, achieving a major milestone in that it had delivered the heaviest payload by GSLV into a sub-GTO orbit.

Telemetry data obtained after the launch indicated that the spacecraft had achieved better-than-expected performance, providing a good boost of apogee for optimal fuel consumption for future maneuvers. ISRO officials reported that all systems worked perfectly.

The EOS-05 Satellite and its Key Features

It is known as the “eye in the sky” the EOS-05 space program has achieved a remarkable milestone in the history of space technology in India. Unlike standard Earth observation satellites which operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and can only deliver a snapshot of a location.

EOS-05 is the first of its kind satellite which will work in Geosynchronous Orbit (GSO) at an altitude of nearly 36,000 kilometers above the Earth. 

The satellite has significant features and uses like:

• Constant Monitoring: Since it follows the same orbit as the rotation of the earth.  It can continuously watch over the Indian subcontinent and its important borders.

• Natural Disaster Management: Provides data in almost real-time for monitoring natural disasters like cyclones, heavy rain and floods.

• Multispectral Imaging: Features sophisticated imaging payloads that are used in variety of applications such as agriculture, forestry, metrology and environmental science.

Rocket Configuration and Performance 

When the GSLV-F17 lifted off, it was about 51.7 meters tall and weighed approximately 420.5 tons. The three-stage architecture of the rocket was as follows:

• First Stage (GS1): Comprising the solid motor S139 and four liquid-fueled boosters, L40H.

• Second Stage (GS2): Featuring a GL40HT liquid propellant engine configuration.

• Third Stage (GS3): Utilizing the indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS15), powered by liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen.

The satellite is presently positioned in sub-GTO orbit (with nominal perigee of between 170 and 171 km and relatively high apogee). The ground stations will now commence a series of burns meant to raise the satellite’s orbit. 

These operations will allow EOS-05 to reach its final location in geostationary orbit. After the satellite goes through intensive one-month tests to check its health status. It will be ready for normal operations, significantly enhancing India’s national security, meteorological precision, and resource mapping capabilities.