Guwahati, Sep 4 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday hailed the successful launch of ISRO’s GSLV-F17 mission, saying the EOS-05 Earth observation satellite will significantly enhance India’s ability to monitor its territory and respond to disasters.
In a post on X, Sarma highlighted three key capabilities of the newly launched satellite, describing the mission as a major advancement in India’s space-based observation capabilities. According to the Assam Chief Minister, EOS-05 has been placed in a geostationary orbit, allowing it to remain synchronised with the Earth’s rotation and maintain a continuous view of India and its surrounding areas.
Sarma pointed out that conventional Earth-observation satellites move around the planet and can observe a particular location only for brief periods during each pass. In contrast, EOS-05 will provide a much more persistent view, making it possible to monitor selected areas at frequent intervals.
He said the satellite will be capable of imaging selected regions every five minutes and covering the entire Indian landmass roughly every 30 minutes, with a resolution of around 42 metres. Sarma described the capability as something India had not previously possessed and said it could prove particularly valuable during emergencies when developments on the ground can change rapidly.
He identified disaster management as one of the major areas where the satellite could make a difference. High-frequency satellite imagery, he said, could provide crucial information during cyclones, floods and other rapidly developing disasters. Such frequent observations could assist authorities in assessing the situation on the ground, tracking the progression of emergencies and improving the speed of relief and rescue operations.
The Chief Minister also praised the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its efforts, noting that the latest achievement came after setbacks in previous attempts.
Sarma said the success reflected the persistence of India’s scientists and engineers and their commitment to achieving technological breakthroughs despite challenges. He also used the occasion to send a message to young Indians, saying the mission demonstrated the importance of patience, discipline and perseverance in achieving ambitious goals.
The successful GSLV-F17 mission marks another important milestone in India’s expanding space capabilities, with EOS-05 expected to strengthen the country’s capacity for frequent Earth observation and provide valuable support for disaster preparedness and response.
–IANS
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