ISRO Successfully Launches EOS-09 Satellite with PSLV-C61

ISRO Achieves Milestone with EOS-09 Launch

On Sunday, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) marked a significant achievement by launching its 101st satellite, EOS-09, using the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61). In a post shared on X, ISRO announced, "LIFTOFF! The 101st launch mission of ISRO is underway aboard PSLV-C61." This mission involved deploying the Earth Observation Satellite, EOS-09, which will be positioned in a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO).

EOS-09: Enhancing Remote Sensing Capabilities

Following the deployment of EOS-09, the Orbit Change Thrusters (OCT) will be activated to reduce the altitude of the PS4 stage. This will be succeeded by passivation, a process aimed at minimizing the orbital lifespan of the stage to ensure responsible operations in space. The EOS-09 satellite is engineered to provide consistent and dependable remote sensing data for various operational sectors.

Launch Details and Sustainability Efforts

#WATCH | Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launches PSLV-C61, which carries the EOS-09 (Earth Observation Satellite-09) into a SSPO orbit, from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

EOS-09 is a repeat satellite of EOS-04, designed with the mission objective to ensure remote… pic.twitter.com/KpJ52Wge0w

— ANI (@ANI) May 18, 2025

Additionally, this launch emphasizes sustainability and responsible space operations, as EOS-09 is equipped with deorbiting fuel to ensure safe disposal post-mission. This marks the 63rd flight of the PSLV rocket and the 27th using the PSLV-XL variant, achieving a total of 100 launches before May 18. ISRO stated, "This mission continues the PSLV's legacy of delivering reliable performance across diverse payloads and orbits."

Understanding EOS-09

EOS-09 is a sophisticated Earth observation satellite that utilizes C-band synthetic aperture radar technology. It is capable of capturing high-resolution images of the Earth's surface in all weather conditions, both day and night. This feature significantly enhances India's surveillance and management capabilities across various sectors. On Saturday, Scientist W Selvamurthy extended his congratulations to the ISRO team, highlighting the satellite's importance as part of a constellation that will serve applications in agriculture, forestry, disaster management, and even strategic military uses.