The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced the commencement of the countdown for the launch of the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite aboard a Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F14). Scheduled for lift-off at 5:35 pm on Saturday from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, this mission marks the 16th flight of the GSLV.
INSAT-3DS, a follow-on mission of the third-generation meteorological satellite, is fully funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences and is intended to be placed in a geostationary orbit.
“GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS Mission: 27.5 hours countdown leading to the launch on February 17, 2024, at 17:35 hrs has commenced,” stated ISRO.
This mission represents ISRO’s second launch in 2024, following the successful deployment of the PSLV-C58/EXPOSAT mission on January 1.
The primary objective of the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission is to ensure continuity of services provided by the existing operational INSAT-3D (launched in 2013) and INSAT-3DR (launched in September 2016). These services include enhanced meteorological observations, monitoring of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning, as well as Satellite Aided Research and Rescue services (SAR).
Once operational, the 2,274 kg satellite will cater to various departments under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, including the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting, and the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services.
The GSLV-F14 will carry a range of payloads, including imager payloads, sounder payloads, data relay transponders, and Satellite Aided Search and Rescue transponders. These instruments will facilitate the study of cloud properties, fog, rainfall, snow cover, fire, smoke, land, and ocean, among other applications.
The imager and sounder payloads incorporated in this mission boast significant improvements in radiometric performance compared to their predecessors, INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR. ISRO also highlighted the substantial contributions made by industries towards the development of the satellite.
Approximately 20 minutes after liftoff, scientists aim to deploy the INSAT-3DS satellite into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Subsequently, they will execute orbit-raising manoeuvres to position the satellite into a Geo-stationary Orbit, which is expected to be achieved within a couple of days.
The launch of INSAT-3DS signifies another milestone in India’s space exploration efforts, further enhancing the nation’s capabilities in meteorological observation and disaster management.
