Today, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is readying for the launch of its meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS aboard the GSLV F14 spacecraft. The launch is scheduled from the Sriharikota spaceport at 5:35 pm on Saturday.
Key Features of the Satellite: The GSLV F14 mission, marking its 16th launch, aims to place the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Following this, the satellite will undergo orbit-raising maneuvers to reach a Geo-stationary Orbit.
INSAT-3DS, funded entirely by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), is tailored for enhanced meteorological observations. It will surveil land and ocean surfaces to facilitate weather forecasting and disaster alerts, complementing the services of existing satellites like INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR.
Domestic industries have played a pivotal role in crafting the satellite, showcasing India's indigenous space capabilities. Departments under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, including the India Meteorology Department (IMD) and the National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), will leverage INSAT-3DS data to enhance weather forecasts and meteorological services.
Mission Goals: The primary objectives of the INSAT-3DS mission encompass Earth surface monitoring, oceanic observations, and environmental analysis across various meteorologically significant spectral channels. It will furnish vertical profiles of atmospheric parameters to refine weather predictions.
Furthermore, the satellite will facilitate Data Collection and Dissemination from Data Collection Platforms (DCPs) and Satellite Aided Search and Rescue services.
Ahead of the launch, ISRO Chairman S Somanath visited the Sri Chengalamma Temple in Sullurpet, Andhra Pradesh, to seek blessings. He remarked, "Today, we are launching the GSLV rocket carrying INSAT-3DS, a meteorological satellite for weather climate studies. This satellite, built for the Ministry of Earth Sciences, is the third in the INSAT series."
Launch Details and Viewing: The launch sequence will be broadcast live from 5 pm on ISRO's website, its social media channels, and the Doordarshan network.
Mission Significance: Weighing 2,274 kg with a mission life of 10 years, INSAT-3DS will succeed INSAT-3D (2013) and INSAT-3DR (2016) in providing advanced weather observations. It will aid in short-range forecasts of extreme weather events, visibility estimation for aviation, and studies related to forest fires, smoke, snow cover, and climate.
Challenges and Future Endeavors: The GSLV-F14 mission, dubbed "naughty boy" for its inconsistent performance, marks the rocket's 16th mission and its 10th flight employing the indigenous cryogenic engine, facing pressure for success.
Later this year, GSLV is slated to carry the Earth observation satellite NISAR, a collaborative effort between NASA and ISRO. NISAR aims to map the entire globe in 12 days, providing crucial data for understanding changes in Earth's ecosystems, ice mass, sea levels, and natural hazards like earthquakes and tsunamis.
ISRO will launch its most modern weather satellite INSAT-3DS on February 17