A Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle carrying a third generation meteorological INSAT-3DS satellite has successfully entered the orbit on Saturday. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) confirmed that the vehicle has “successfully placed the satellite into the intended geosynchronous transfer orbit.”
“I am very happy to announce the successful accomplishment of the mission GSLV-F14 INSAT-3DS. The spacecraft has been injected into a very good orbit. We also noted that the vehicle has performed very well. Congratulations to everyone who has been a part of the team,” said ISRO chairman S. Somanath.
The GSLV rocket, which is three-staged, stands at 51.7 meters tall and weighs 420 tonnes, lifted off into the sky at 5:35 p.m., overcoming Earth’s gravitational pull. Carried by the rocket is India’s latest meteorological satellite, INSAT-3DS, weighing 2,274 kg. This satellite will enhance meteorological services alongside the existing INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites already in orbit, according to the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
INSAT-3DS satellite aims to augment the study of the Earth’s surface and oceanic observations. The satellite weighing 2,274 kg would serve various departments under the Ministry of Earth Sciences including the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), ISRO said. This is the second mission for ISRO this year after the successful launch of the PSLV-C58/EXPOSAT mission.
Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State for Science & Technology, congratulated ISRO on this occasion.”Celebrating the launch of INSAT 3DS…the latest generation Climate/Weather satellite. Proud to be associated with Department of Space at a time when team ISRO continues to accomplish one success after the other with personal patronage from PM Modi…”He stated in a post on X.
According to ISRO, INSAT-3DS, a cutting-edge meteorological satellite, is the latest addition to India’s Third Generation Meteorological Satellite series. Operating from Geostationary Orbit, its main job is to enhance meteorological observations and keep a close eye on both land and ocean surfaces for advanced weather forecasting and disaster warning. This satellite will work alongside existing meteorological services provided by INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR.
