ISRO eyes comeback, to launch EOS-05 at 2.55 am on Friday

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is looking to regain its momentum as it prepares to launch the Earth observation satellite EOS-05 at 2.55 am on Friday. The mission comes at a crucial time for the space agency following a series of unexpected setbacks.

ISRO is aiming to place EOS-05 successfully in orbit, with the outcome expected within 19 minutes of liftoff.

A successful launch could pave the way for a relaxation of the restrictions imposed by the Union government on ISRO and allow the space agency to return to its regular launch schedule. ISRO is also set to launch a navigation satellite next month, followed by a test launch under the Gaganyaan programme within three months.

The space agency had faced setbacks in recent missions, including the launches of the NVS-02 navigation satellite in January last year, EOS-09 in May last year and EOS-N1 in January this year.

Satellite to be placed 36,000 km above Earth

• EOS-05 will be launched from the second launch pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota using the GSLV Mk II F17 rocket. The satellite is the renamed version of GSAT-1A.
• The satellite will be placed in an orbit nearly 36,000 km above Earth. It will be the first Earth observation satellite that India has placed in such a high orbit.
• Last year, the NISAR satellite, jointly developed by NASA and ISRO, was launched using the GSLV Mk II rocket.

Satellite will remain over India

Earth observation satellites are usually placed in orbits about 600 km above the Earth. By positioning EOS-05 at a much higher altitude, the satellite will be able to move along with the Earth’s rotational speed. As a result, it will remain positioned over India and can monitor the country continuously. The satellite is expected to observe India approximately every 30 minutes and transmit images and other data.

Could help predict weather and disasters

• Its high-altitude position will allow the satellite to monitor warm and cold air currents and changes in cloud patterns that influence weather conditions. This could be particularly useful for weather forecasting and disaster management.
• Another major advantage is that the satellite can shift its focus to any part of India. Conventional Earth observation satellites are generally designed to continuously monitor a fixed area.