The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is poised for the launch of its latest meteorological satellite, INSAT-3DS, slated to occur today from the Sriharikota spaceport. Scheduled to lift off at 5:35 pm Saturday, aboard the GSLV F14 spacecraft, this mission marks ISRO’s 16th endeavor to deploy a satellite into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
With the aim of advancing weather forecasting capabilities and enhancing natural disaster warnings, INSAT-3DS is a pivotal component in India’s meteorological endeavors. Funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), this mission represents a crucial step forward in bolstering the nation’s ability to monitor weather patterns and predict potential calamities.
Designed as a follow-on mission to the Third Generation Meteorological Satellite, INSAT-3DS is equipped to conduct comprehensive meteorological observations, scrutinizing both land and ocean surfaces. By augmenting the existing services provided by INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites, INSAT-3DS aims to revolutionize meteorological data collection and analysis.
The significance of this mission extends beyond ISRO, with various departments under the Ministry of Earth Sciences poised to leverage INSAT-3DS data for improved weather forecasts and meteorological services. From the India Meteorology Department (IMD) to the Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), a myriad of agencies and institutes are primed to utilize the insights garnered from this advanced satellite.
Among its primary objectives, INSAT-3DS will monitor Earth’s surface and conduct vital oceanic observations. By providing detailed spectral data on meteorologically significant parameters, it seeks to enhance our understanding of atmospheric dynamics and facilitate more accurate weather predictions.
Ahead of the launch, ISRO Chairman S Somanath expressed optimism about the mission’s prospects, emphasizing its importance in advancing weather and climate studies. He highlighted INSAT-3DS as the third satellite in the INSAT series, underscoring its role in fortifying India’s space-based meteorological capabilities.
For those eager to witness this historic launch, ISRO will broadcast the event live starting from 5 pm on its website, social media platforms, and the Doordarshan network. As the countdown to liftoff begins, anticipation mounts for the successful deployment of INSAT-3DS, heralding a new era in India’s meteorological prowess.
