The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch the GISAT-1 EOS-05 satellite aboard the GSLV-F17 rocket on September 4 at 2:55 am IST. This launch represents a significant milestone as it will be the first instance where India places an imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit, allowing for continuous monitoring of extensive regions of Earth from an altitude of nearly 36,000 kilometres.

Before the EOS-05 can reach its designated operational position, the GSLV-F17 rocket will initially place the satellite into a Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Sub-GTO). This phase is crucial as it allows the satellite to begin its gradual journey to its ultimate altitude.

The rocket, making its 19th flight as part of India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle programme, will launch from the Second Launch Pad at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, located in Sriharikota. The GSLV-F17 will utilise a four-metre-diameter payload fairing configuration during its ascent.

Understanding the Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit

A Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) serves as a crucial transitional path for satellites moving from lower altitudes to their operational positions approximately 36,000 kilometres above Earth. Rather than following a circular trajectory, a satellite in this orbit moves along an elongated, elliptical path. The satellite approaches Earth at one point while travelling significantly further away at another, which facilitates its transition to the final destination.

The Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit operates on a similar concept, although it does not take the satellite all the way to the altitude typical of a standard GTO. Instead, it releases the spacecraft into a lower orbit, allowing the satellite to utilise its onboard propulsion system to attain the required altitude.

For the upcoming mission, EOS-05 is anticipated to be placed in an orbit with a perigee, the closest point to Earth, at approximately 170 kilometres, and an apogee, the farthest point, of about 28,934 kilometres. This strategic deployment is intended to facilitate a controlled ascent to ensure operational readiness.

Advantages of a High-Altitude Imaging Satellite

Most Earth-observation satellites operate from low Earth orbit, typically only a few hundred kilometres above the surface. While they can capture detailed images, their velocity in relation to the Earth’s surface limits their ability to observe specific locations consistently. In contrast, EOS-05 is designed to offer a solution to this limitation by maintaining a geosynchronous orbit.

At an altitude of nearly 36,000 kilometres, EOS-05 will move synchronously with Earth’s rotation, allowing it to monitor the same extensive regions repeatedly. This capability is particularly beneficial for numerous applications, including weather monitoring, disaster response, cyclone tracking, and environmental observation.

Isro has promoted EOS-05 as India’s first imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit, which can support ongoing surveillance of strategically important regions. The Sub-GTO trajectory thus represents the initial phase of a meticulously planned orbital journey, enabling the satellite to complete its ascent using its propulsion system after its separation from the GSLV-F17.

If the mission scheduled for September 4 proves successful, it will provide India with an enhanced capability for continuous observation of large areas from space, changing the landscape of Earth observation significantly. The deployment of EOS-05 promises to advance India’s capabilities in monitoring and disaster management from a new vantage point high above the planet.

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