The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch its next ambitious mission today, aiming to strengthen the nations weather forecasting and disaster management capabilities. The INSAT-3DS, a state-of-the-art meteorological satellite, will take off at 5:30 PM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota aboard the GSLV Mk II rocket.This will be ISROs second mission of 2024, following the successful launch of PSLV-C58/EXPOSAT in January. It also signifies the seventh flight in the INSAT-3D series, with the last satellite, INSAT-3DR, launched in 2016.GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS Mission:27.5 hours countdown leading to the launch on February 17, 2024, at 17:35 Hrs. IST has commenced. pic.twitter.com/TsZ1oxrUGq— ISRO (@isro) February 16, 2024Equipped for enhanced weather monitoringWeighing 2,274 kg, INSAT-3DS is packed with sophisticated technology. Its six-channel imager and 19-channel sounder will provide comprehensive data on various weather phenomena, including clouds, fog, rain, snow, and fire. Moreover, it will relay ground data and messages crucial for search and rescue operations.Expanding services After being completely operational, INSAT-3DS will provide its services to various user groups, including the Meteorological Department (IMD), the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), and the Weather Forecasting Center, among others. It will also support Indian National Centre initiatives related to Earth Sciences and disaster management.GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS Mission:Citizens are invited to witness the launch LIVE from the Launch View Gallery (LVG), SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota.Registration commences today at 18:30 Hrs. IST. https://t.co/J9jd8ylRcCMore images on our official Instagramhttps://t.co/2YQeU5O5l0 pic.twitter.com/5OpuyLUdLI— ISRO (@isro) February 12, 2024Why is it named naughty boyCarrying the INSAT-3DS, the GSLV Mk II rocket is set to embark on its 16th mission. Interestingly, the satellite was nicknamed the naughty boy by a former ISRO chairman due to past challenges. The satellite has a failure rate of forty percent and has encountered numerous problems during its previous missions. Benefits for India and beyondThe successful launch of INSAT-3DS will significantly enhance Indias weather forecasting capabilities, leading to improved disaster preparedness and mitigation strategies. Moreover, the data collected will benefit research and development initiatives across various fields.According to ISRO, the goal of the mission is to continue the services of the operational INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR (which were launched in 2013 and 2016 respectively). It will improve meteorological observations and surface monitoring of land and water bodies for weather forecasting and disaster warning.
