In the imminent launch of the meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS via a Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) rocket from Sriharikota spaceport, enthusiasts are gripped with anticipation. Scheduled for Saturday at 5.35 pm, the event is orchestrated by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The mission’s primary goal is to ensure the seamless continuation of services offered by the operational INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR. These services encompass heightened meteorological observations, surveillance of land and ocean surfaces for advanced weather forecasting, disaster warnings, and the facilitation of Satellite Aided Research and Rescue Services.
ISRO’s Chairman, S Somanath, embarked on a pre-launch visit to the Sri Chengalamma Parameshwari temple in Nellore district. This visit, conducted in the early hours of the day, involved a brief ritual and the presentation of flowers to the deity. Somanath expressed his purpose, stating, “I came here today to seek the blessings of Chengalamma Bhagavati for blessing us for the success of this mission.”
GSLV’s 16th mission endeavors to place the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO), followed by orbit-raising maneuvers to secure its position in geostationary orbit. The INSAT-3DS satellite marks the continuation of the third-generation meteorological satellite series in geostationary orbit.
The GSLV F14 spacecraft, dubbed the ‘Naughty Boy’ of India’s space program, is set for its 16th mission, launching the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite. Termed so due to a history of setbacks, with a failure rate exceeding 40%, this spacecraft has encountered failures in six out of its 15 previous missions. Despite a successful mission in May 2023, the one preceding it had faced failure.
The countdown for the 27.5-hour period began on Friday at 2:30 pm at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre for the launch scheduled at 5.35 pm from the second launch pad. The three-stage rocket, incorporating a cryogenic upper stage, is expected to separate the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT), weighing 2,274 kgs, from the GSLV rocket, placing it into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit.
The towering 51.7-meter rocket carries imager payloads, sounder payloads, data relay transponders, and satellite-aided search and rescue transponders. Its mission includes studying cloud properties, fog, rainfall, snow cover, snow depth, fire, smoke, land, and ocean.
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 harness the INSAT-3DS Satellite data for refined weather forecasts and meteorological services.
