Engineering Innovation in India
1. ISRO successfully launches Earth observation satellite EOS-05
ISRO successfully launches the GSLV-F17/EOS-05 mission from the Second Launch Pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Friday (September 4, 2a026) successfully launched its advanced Earth observation satellite EOS-05 aboard the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F17-The GSLV, on its 19th flight, placed the 2,367-kg EOS-05 into the intended Sub-Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (Sub-GTO) about 18 minutes after lifting off from the second launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota at 2.55 a.m. The EOS-05 is India’s first imaging satellite This was the 107th launch from the spaceport in Sriharikota and the 19th mission of the GSLV.
“I am very happy to announce that the GSLV-F17 vehicle has successfully and precisely injected the advanced Earth observation satellite EOS-05 into the intended and required orbit, “ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan, FNAE said. He said this was the 107th launch from the spaceport in Sriharikota and the 19th mission of the GSLV. “The first launch of the GSLV- D1 was done with a payload of 1,536 kg. From that, we have gradually improved the performance of this vehicle by optimising the structural mass, improving the propulsion systems. Today, we have injected the heaviest satellite, a 2,367-kg satellite, using this launch vehicle,” he added. Dr. Narayanan said that once operationalised, EOS-05 would become India’s first dedicated imaging satellite operating from the geosynchronous orbit, providing important strategic data for our country. The EOS-05, dubbed the “Eye in the Sky”, will provide real-time imagery, helping sectors like agriculture, environment and disaster management, among others.
2. DRDO successfully tests high-altitude combat parachutes in Ladakh
DRDO successfully tests high-altitude combat parachutes in Ladakh
Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has been successfully tested at one of the world’s highest altitudes drop zones in Ladakh in end August 2026. The trials were carried out at Nyoma, close to the Line of Control in south-eastern Ladakh, where the IAF recently commissioned the world’s highest airbase for fighter aircraft operation. The MCPS has been developed by DRDO’s Aerial Delivery Research and Development Establishment (ADRDE) Agra and the Defence Bioengineering and Electromedical Laboratory, Bengaluru. ADRDE test jumpers executed the jump from an altitude of 22,000 ft above mean sea level.The parachute was deployed at 20,000 ft, with a safe landing at 13,700 ft. temperature was minus 15 degrees Celsius and the test jumpers utilised MCPS and all other sub-systems, including indigenous para computer, oxygen system and jumpsuits. Nyoma has been the site of several military exercises, including para drops of troops, vehicles and equipment. Earlier, the MCPS had successfully undergone a combat freefall jump from an altitude of 32,000 ft. This makes it the only parachute system currently in operational use by the Indian Armed Forces capable of deployment above 25,000 ft. The MCPS incorporates several enhanced tactical features, including a lower rate of descent and superior steering capabilities, enabling paratroopers to safely exit aircraft, deploy parachutes at predetermined altitudes, navigate accurately and land at designated zones.
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