INSAT-3DS, a weather satellite, launched on February 17, 2024. After completing orbit adjustments, it reached its designated position on February 28th. Communication and meteorological payloads were successfully tested in March.
Designed for improved weather observation and disaster warning Funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). Complements existing INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites. Significant contribution from Indian industries. Data used by MoES institutes (IMD, NCMRWF, IITM, etc.) for weather forecasting and services
Mission Objectives:
- Monitor Earth's surface, oceans, and atmosphere
- Provide vertical atmospheric data profiles
- Collect and disseminate data from Data Collection Platforms (DCPs)
- Support satellite-aided search and rescue operations
Launch Vehicle: GSLV-F14 (16th mission)
- Three-stage launch vehicle, 51.7 meters tall, 420 tons at lift off
- First stage: Solid propellant motor (S139) and four liquid propellant strap-on boosters (L40)
- Second stage: Also liquid propellant
- Third stage: Cryogenic stage with liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2)
- Capable of launching various spacecraft for communication, navigation, and Earth observation
Imaging Capabilities:
- The satellite carries two main instruments:
- Imager (6 channels): captures Earth surface and atmosphere images in various wavelengths.
- Sounder (19 channels): measures radiation emitted by Earth's atmosphere to understand atmospheric properties.
- This data helps monitor weather, climate, and environmental features like clouds, aerosols, land temperature, and water vapor.
Benefits:
- Enhanced weather forecasting and early warnings
- Improved meteorological services for public and sectors like agriculture and fisheries
- Increased knowledge of Earth's environment
- Better disaster preparedness and mitigation capabilities
- Over 40 data products are generated, including sea surface temperature, rainfall, land temperature, and atmospheric profiles.
- This information is crucial for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and understanding atmospheric processes.