The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has initiated the countdown for the launch of the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite aboard a Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F14). The lift-off is scheduled for Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 5:35 pm from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
Mission Details
- The INSAT-3DS satellite is part of the third-generation meteorological satellite series.
- It will be placed in a geostationary orbit.
- The mission is fully funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
Countdown Initiation
ISRO officially announced the commencement of the countdown 27.5 hours before the launch.
Previous Missions
This will be ISRO’s second mission in 2024, following the successful launch of the PSLV-C58/EXPOSAT mission on January 1.
Objective
- The primary objective is to ensure continuity of services provided by existing operational satellites INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR.
- The satellite will enhance meteorological observations, monitor land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning, and provide Satellite-aided Research and Rescue services (SAR).
Satellite Specifications
- The INSAT-3DS satellite weighs 2,274 kg.
- It will serve various departments under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, including the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), the National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT), and others.
Payloads
- The rocket will carry imager payloads, sounder payloads, data relay transponders, and Satellite Aided Search and Rescue transponders.
- These payloads will be used for studying cloud properties, fog, rainfall, snow cover, fire, smoke, land, and ocean, among other applications.
- The imager and sounder payloads in this mission have significant improvements in radiometric performances compared to previous satellites.
Deployment
- Approximately 20 minutes after liftoff, the INSAT-3DS satellite will be deployed into a Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
- Orbit-raising maneuvers will then be conducted to place the satellite into a Geostationary Orbit over the course of a couple of days.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):
- When is the scheduled lift-off for the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission?
- A) February 17, 2024, at 5:35 am
- B) February 17, 2024, at 5:35 pm
- C) February 18, 2024, at 5:35 am
- D) February 18, 2024, at 5:35 pm
- Answer: B) February 17, 2024, at 5:35 pm
- What is the primary objective of the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission?
- A) Telecommunications
- B) Weather forecasting and disaster warning
- C) Planetary exploration
- D) Satellite imaging
- Answer: B) Weather forecasting and disaster warning
- How many missions has ISRO undertaken in 2024 before the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission?
- A) None
- B) One
- C) Two
- D) Three
- Answer: B) One