Sat May 17 07:31:08 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
India’s space agency, ISRO, has commenced the 22-hour countdown for the launch of the Earth Observation Satellite (EOS-09) on board the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61). The launch is scheduled for May 18, 2025, from Sriharikota. EOS-09 is a high-resolution imaging satellite crucial for various applications including agriculture, disaster management, and national security. It is designed to provide all-weather, round-the-clock Earth observation and will join the existing constellation of Indian Earth observation satellites. The mission has a lifespan of 5 years, with plans for de-orbiting to prevent space debris.
**News Article:**
**India Gears Up for Earth Observation Satellite Launch**
**Sriharikota, India – May 17, 2025** – The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the commencement of the countdown for the launch of its latest Earth Observation Satellite, EOS-09, aboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C61). The launch is scheduled for 5:59 am IST on May 18th from the spaceport in Sriharikota.
The EOS-09, a high-resolution imaging satellite, is expected to significantly enhance India’s capabilities in various critical sectors. According to ISRO sources, the satellite will provide all-weather, round-the-clock imagery vital for agriculture monitoring, forestry management, disaster response, urban planning, and bolstering national security.
Weighing approximately 1,696 kg, EOS-09 (also known as RISAT-1B) is a follow-on to the successful RISAT-1 mission and will supplement data from other existing Indian satellites like Resourcesat, Cartosat, and the RISAT-2B Series. It aims to improve the frequency of Earth observation data for a range of applications.
“This mission is crucial for expanding our real-time coverage across the country,” said an ISRO spokesperson.
The PSLV-C61 rocket is slated to place EOS-09 into a Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO) after a 17-minute flight. Scientists will then use onboard Orbit Change Thrusters (OCT) to fine-tune the satellite’s orbit.
The EOS-09 is designed for a mission life of five years, with a focus on responsible space practices. ISRO has confirmed that sufficient fuel has been reserved to de-orbit the satellite at the end of its mission, ensuring its decay within two years and minimizing the risk of space debris.
This launch marks a significant step in India’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its Earth observation capabilities and contribute to various critical sectors of the nation.
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