The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up to launch its meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS aboard the GSLV F14 spacecraft on Saturday at 5.35 pm from the Sriharikota spaceport. This satellite aims to study weather forecasts and provide warnings about natural disasters.
In its 16th mission, the GSLV intends to place the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Subsequent maneuvers will elevate the satellite into a Geo-stationary Orbit.
INSAT-3DS Satellite is part of the Third Generation Meteorological Satellite program from Geostationary Orbit. The mission is entirely funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
The satellite is tailored for enhanced meteorological observations and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces to improve weather forecasting and disaster warning capabilities. It will complement the Meteorological services along with the presently operational INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites.
Indian Industries have played a significant role in the development of the Satellite.
Various departments of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) such as the India Meteorology Department (IMD), National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), and various other agencies and institutes will utilize the INSAT-3DS Satellite data to provide enhanced weather forecasts and meteorological services.
The primary objectives of the mission include monitoring Earth’s surface, conducting oceanic observations, and observing the environment in various spectral channels of meteorological significance. Additionally, it aims to provide the vertical profile of various meteorological parameters of the atmosphere.
Furthermore, it will facilitate Data Collection and Data Dissemination capabilities from the Data Collection Platforms (DCPs), and offer Satellite Aided Search and Rescue services.
Prior to the launch, ISRO Chairman S Somanath visited the Sri Chengalamma Temple in Sullurpet, Andhra Pradesh, to offer prayers.
“We are launching the GSLV rocket carrying a meteorological satellite-INSAT-3DS for weather climate studies today. This satellite is built for the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It is the third satellite in the INSAT series of satellites,” he informed reporters.
The launch sequence will be broadcasted live from 5 pm on ISRO’s website, its social media platforms, and the Doordarshan network.
