In the wee hours of September 4 2026, while everyone was asleep, ISRO, India’s space agency, marked another milestone. It launched its heavy-lift GSLV-F17 rocket from the space centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, successfully placing the EOS-05 imaging satellite into its target orbit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to X to congratulate ISRO, calling it a “proud moment”. Here is why this launch matters.
ISRO Launches GSLV-F17 Rocket From Andhra Pradesh
Yet another outstanding achievement by ISRO and a proud moment for our nation.
The successful launch of GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05, India’s first-ever imaging satellite from Geosynchronous orbit is a reflection of the excellence, innovation and growing capabilities that define… https://t.co/fXzwnSmwAF
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 4, 2026
The GSLV-F17 rocket accomplished its mission at 2:55 am on September 4, 2026, placing the EOS-05 satellite directly into its intended target orbit. Carrying ISRO’s 2,367 kg Earth observation satellite, the rocket lifted off from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. According to The Times of India, ISRO Chief V Narayanan described the mission as a significant achievement for India’s space programme.
The satellite remained in good condition after its injection into orbit. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the team on X, calling the successful launch an “outstanding achievement and a proud moment for our nation”. He also wrote, “The successful launch of GSLV-F17 carrying EOS-05, India’s first-ever imaging satellite from Geosynchronous orbit is a reflection of the excellence, innovation and growing capabilities that define India’s space sector.”
The Story Behind ISRO’s “Naughty Boy”
According to News18, the rocket stands 51.7 metres tall and carries the 2,367 kg EOS-05, also known as GISAT-1A. Designed to supply frequent, real-time imagery of large parts of India, the satellite operates in a Geosynchronous orbit. Unlike satellites that constantly orbit around the planet, this one stays focused on the same broad region. Its high-resolution imagery will support disaster management, agriculture, weather monitoring, and land-use tracking.
Did you know this rocket bears the nickname “Naughty Boy”? Its mixed track record earned it this title, as six of its first 18 developmental flights failed to achieve complete success. According to News18, This recent success carries extra significance following ISRO’s PSLV-C62 mission on January 12, which failed to place its 16 satellites in the target orbit due to a third-stage anomaly.
Also Read: What Triggered Deadly Flash Floods In Nepal? ISRO Satellite Images Reveal Reason!
Now, ISRO has achieved complete mission success, giving us a reason to celebrate!
Cover Image Courtesy: ISRO/X and @AmitShah/X
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What is ISRO?
ISRO stands for Indian Space Research Organisation. It is India's national space agency responsible for space research and satellite launches.