The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to return to the launch pad in September, ending an extended operational pause with the planned deployment of the GISAT-1A Earth-observation satellite. The mission is expected to mark an important step for India’s space program after a challenging period that included multiple launch setbacks.
GISAT-1A, also known as EOS-05, is currently scheduled for launch during the first week of September aboard India’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). If the schedule holds, it will be ISRO’s first launch since the PSLV-C62/EOS-N1 mission ended unsuccessfully on January 12.
The upcoming flight carries particular significance because it will serve as an early test of the space agency’s return-to-flight efforts. ISRO also faced a setback in 2025 when the PSLV-C61/EOS-09 mission was unsuccessful following an anomaly involving the rocket’s third stage.
The disruptions have put pressure on ISRO’s ambitious launch plans. The agency had aimed to conduct 15 missions during 2025-26 and had outlined an even larger program for 2026-27, involving several PSLV, GSLV and LVM3 launches, along with missions associated with the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program.
GISAT-1A is designed to provide frequent imaging of large portions of India’s landmass. The satellite’s observations are expected to support applications including disaster monitoring, agriculture, forestry and the tracking of changes occurring across the country’s landscape. It is planned to operate for approximately 10 years.
The mission also has a restoration role. GISAT-1A is intended to replace GISAT-1, also called EOS-03, which was lost during the GSLV-F10 launch in August 2021 after the rocket’s final propulsion stage failed to ignite. The successful deployment of GISAT-1A would therefore help revive an Earth-observation capability that India has been working to reestablish.
Following GISAT-1A, ISRO is expected to focus on NVS-03, the third satellite in India’s second-generation NavIC navigation system. Contrary to earlier expectations of a September launch, officials indicate that the mission is more likely to take place in November.
NVS-03 is important because India’s NavIC constellation currently has fewer operational satellites than needed for independent positioning services. According to a recent parliamentary response, three satellites are providing positioning, navigation and timing services, while at least four are required for basic positioning. Timing services continue to operate.
NVS-03 is already fueled and prepared at Sriharikota. ISRO is also developing NVS-04 and NVS-05, which are expected to follow, supporting India’s efforts to rebuild and strengthen its independent navigation satellite network.
