New Delhi: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for the launch of its meteorological satellite, INSAT-3DS, scheduled for Saturday (February 17). Departing from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR at Sriharikota, the launch is slated for 5.35 pm and will be facilitated by a GSLV-F14 rocket, marking the 16th mission of GSLV.
The primary objective behind this satellite’s launch is to support meteorological observations, consequently enhancing weather forecasting capabilities and disaster warnings. Additionally, the satellite will enable surface monitoring of both land and oceans. With a weight of 2,274 kg, the satellite was constructed at an approximate cost of Rs 480 crore. The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) provided the necessary funds for its development.
An important feature of the new satellite is the inclusion of a search and rescue transponder (SART), which will prove helpful in the event of disasters. This transponder is capable of receiving signals through specialised equipment installed on ships and trucks, facilitating swift response and rescue operations.
Bharat currently operates three meteorological satellites, namely INSAT-3D, INSAT-3DR, and OceanSat. Dr. Ashim Kumar Mitra, the project director of the Satellite Meteorology Division at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), said that “INSAT-3D is nearing its end-of-life period after having served since 2013, hence a replacement satellite was the need of the hour.”
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