INSAT-3DS: ISRO's meteorological satellite lifts off successfully

The satellite is designed for enhanced meteorological observations

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on February 17 successfully launched the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite onboard a Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle. The satellite is a follow-on mission of the third-generation meteorological satellite to be placed in a geostationary orbit.

GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS Mission:

The vehicle has successfully placed the satellite into the intended geosynchronous transfer orbit. @moesgoi #INSAT3DS

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— ISRO (@isro) February 17, 2024

The satellite weighing 2,274 kg would serve various departments under the Ministry of Earth Sciences including the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), ISRO said.

Here's what Isro's latest mission aims to achieve:

INSAT-3DS satellite 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.

Objectives of the mission:

The primary objectives of the mission are:

1. To monitor Earth’s surface, carry out oceanic observations and its environment in various spectral channels of meteorological importance.
2. To provide the vertical profile of various meteorological parameters of the atmosphere.
3. To provide the data collection and data dissemination capabilities from the data collection platforms (DCPs).
4. To provide satellite aided search and rescue services.

This is the second mission for ISRO in 2024 after the successful launch of PSLV-C58/EXPOSAT mission on January 1.

Several departments of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) 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 meteorological services.