Congress Hails EOS-05 Success, Accuses PM Modi Government Of ‘Attacking’ ISRO Autonomy

The Congress party on Friday lauded the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the successful launch of the country's first-ever imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit, even as it accused the Modi government of undertaking what it called a "radical role reconfiguration" that would "change the very character" of the space agency. The opposition party's dual response reflects both celebration of the technical achievement and continued criticism of the government's broader approach to the institution.

ISRO made its way into the history books once again on Friday with the successful launch of the country's first-ever imaging satellite in geosynchronous orbit, placing the more than 2,300-kilogram payload into a precise orbit using a GSLV rocket. Friday's launch marked the space agency's maiden success for the year 2026, a milestone that came after what Congress leaders described as a relatively quiet period for the organization in recent months. In a post on social media platform X, Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge congratulated the entire ISRO team on the successful GSLV-F17/EOS-05 mission, noting that EOS-05, India's first imaging satellite from geosynchronous orbit, would further strengthen the country's Earth observation capabilities, which he said have been under development for years.

"We are immensely proud of our scientists, space engineers and researchers whose dedication and ingenuity continue to take India's space programme to greater heights," Kharge said, framing the mission's success as a testament to the long-term institutional capabilities built up within ISRO over decades. Beyond the congratulatory tone, the Congress party also used the occasion to reiterate concerns about the space agency's institutional trajectory under the current government. The party said the successful launch would undoubtedly serve as a significant morale booster for ISRO, "since it has found itself under attack from various quarters," a remark that pointed to ongoing tensions between the party and the Modi government over the agency's future direction.

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Congress general secretary in charge of communications, Jairam Ramesh, has separately criticized what he described as a "radical role reconfiguration" taking place within ISRO at the instance of the Prime Minister's Office, warning that such changes could alter the fundamental character of an institution that has brought pride to the nation for decades despite facing considerable challenges. Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra also offered praise for the mission, congratulating what she called the "brilliant team" at ISRO for their work on the GSLV-F17/EOS-05 mission and describing it as "a proud moment for every Indian."

Her remarks, alongside those of Kharge, underscored a consistent theme within the party's messaging: celebrating ISRO's scientific and technical accomplishments while simultaneously expressing concern over the institutional and policy changes the party believes are reshaping the agency's role, particularly regarding its relationship with private industry players in India's expanding space sector. As ISRO moves forward with its mission schedule following the successful EOS-05 launch, the broader political debate over the agency's structure and governance appears likely to persist, with the Congress party positioning itself as both a champion of the space agency's achievements and a vocal critic of what it characterizes as the government's efforts to reshape its institutional identity.

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