India Launches New Weather Satellite

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched the INSAT-3DS weather satellite, aimed at bolstering India’s capabilities in environment monitoring, oceanic observations, weather forecasting, and disaster relief operations.

The launch took place on Saturday at 7:05 a.m. EST (1205 GMT; 5:35 p.m. local India time) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on India’s southeast coast. Riding atop a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mk-II, the INSAT-3DS embarked on its journey towards geostationary orbit, 22,236 miles (35,786 kilometres) above Earth.

ISRO Chairman S. Somanth expressed jubilation, announcing the successful completion of the GSLV-F14 mission.

“I’m very happy to announce the successful accomplishment of the mission GSLV-F14. The spacecraft has been injected into a very good orbit.” Somanth said in a post-launch speech.

GSLV-F14 Onboard views. pic.twitter.com/A6CKuqBPSZ

— ISRO (@isro) February 17, 2024

Funded by India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences, the INSAT-3DS satellite is tailored for advanced meteorological observations and land and ocean surface monitoring. It is poised to complement the existing INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites, amplifying India’s meteorological services manifold.

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Weighing 2274 kilograms, the INSAT-3DS satellite boasts state-of-the-art payloads designed to deliver accurate and timely data on atmospheric conditions. Its multi-spectral imager and sounder payloads enable comprehensive monitoring of the atmosphere, offering critical insights into temperature, humidity, and more.

The satellite’s Data Relay Transponder (DRT) facilitates seamless data exchange with automatic weather stations worldwide, enhancing global meteorological data dissemination. Additionally, its Satellite-aided Search and Rescue (SA&SR) capabilities significantly augment emergency response efforts, providing crucial support in distress situations.

The GSLV-MkII, standing tall at 169.6 feet (51.7 meters), has proven its reliability once again, marking its sixteenth successful mission since its inception in 2001. With the INSAT-3DS joining its predecessors in geostationary orbit, India solidifies its position as a leader in space technology and weather monitoring.

The launch of INSAT-3DS underscores India’s commitment to leveraging space exploration for societal benefits, particularly in critical areas like agriculture, aviation, and disaster management.

As the latest addition to India’s third-generation satellites, INSAT-3DS promises to redefine meteorological services, ushering in a new era of precision forecasting and environmental monitoring.