Know about ISRO's INSAT-3DS satellite that will upgrade our weather forecasting capabilities

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the INSAT-3DS satellite from Sriharikota on 17 February. Funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, this new facility weighing 2,274 kilograms will provide weathermen and scientists with enhanced satellite data and high-resolution images of the Earth.

 

The satellite is designed to facilitate the development of newer satellite products essential for tracking cyclones, monsoon systems, thunderstorms, and other natural disasters.

 

The satellite will be launched onboard a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle F14 (GSLV F14), aiming to bolster meteorological observations and weather forecasting capabilities.

 

 

The launch is scheduled for 5:30 PM on Saturday, February 17, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR at Sriharikota, as confirmed by ISRO.

 

 

 

 

The INSAT-3DS is India’s third-generation meteorological satellite and is fully funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It is designed for enhanced meteorological observations and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning.

 

The satellite will augment the meteorological services along with the presently operational INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites.

 

Various departments under the Ministry of Earth Sciences 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 be using the INSAT-3DS satellite data to provide improved weather forecasts and teorological services.

 

 

The Indian space agency said the primary objectives of the mission are: To monitor Earth’s surface, carry out oceanic observations and its environment in various spectral channels of meteorological importance; to provide the vertical profile of various meteorological parameters of the atmosphere; to provide data collection and data dissemination capabilities from the data collection platforms (DCPs); and to provide satellite aided search and rescue services.

"The launch of the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission is set for Saturday, February 17, at 5:30 pm from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR at Sriharikota," ISRO said. Subsequent orbit-raising maneuvers will ensure that the satellite is positioned in a Geo-Stationary Orbit.

 

ISRO started 2024 with the launch of XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite) on 1 January. It is India's first XPoSat which aims to investigate the polarization of intense X-ray sources and study the enigmatic world of black holes.

ISRO has a packed schedule in 2024 with at least 12 missions planned for this year.