Sriharikota: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved another milestone today with the successful launch of the INSAT-3DS satellite, fully funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Lifted off by the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV)-F14 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, at 1730 hrs, the INSAT-3DS satellite is poised to significantly enhance the nation’s meteorological services.
INSAT-3DS, standing at 51.7 meters tall and 4 meters wide, aims to augment India’s meteorological capabilities, working in conjunction with the presently operational INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites. The new satellite seeks to elevate Earth monitoring capabilities, enhance data collection and dissemination, and contribute to satellite-aided search and rescue services. This initiative will bolster India’s weather, climate, and ocean-related observations, fostering increased knowledge and better disaster mitigation and preparedness in the future.
Configured around ISRO’s reliable I-2k bus platform, INSAT-3DS has a lift-off mass of 2,275 kilograms. The satellite is equipped with advanced payloads, including a six-channel optical radiometer for Earth and environmental imaging, a 19-channel sounder for atmospheric information, and communication payloads such as a data relay transponder and a satellite-aided search and rescue transponder with global coverage. Indian industries have played a significant role in the development of INSAT-3DS.
Meteorological data from the INSAT-3DS satellite will be utilized by various institutes under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, including 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), and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). These data inputs will enhance meteorological research and services, providing more accurate weather and climate predictions, timely alerts, early warnings, and advisories for the public, especially for those in sectors like fishing and agriculture.
The successful launch of INSAT-3DS marks a crucial step forward in advancing India’s capabilities in meteorological nowcast and forecast services, thanks to the remarkable efforts of ISRO. The satellite is poised to deliver immense benefits in enhancing our understanding of weather patterns and strengthening disaster preparedness in the country.