What is INSAT-3DS Satellite? Know Key Objectives, Significance, Payloads

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on January 25, 2024, announced the transportation of the INSAT-3DS satellite to the SDSC-SHAR launch port, in preparation for its upcoming launch on the GSLV F14 rocket.

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This advanced INSAT (or the Indian National Satellite System) satellite, which has successfully undergone assembly, integration, and testing at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru, marks a significant milestone in India's space endeavours. The Pre-Shipment Review (PSR), attended by representatives from the satellite's user community, confirmed its readiness for launch. Constructed using ISRO's reliable I-2k bus platform, INSAT-3DS has a lift-off mass of 2275 kg.

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GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS Mission:

INSAT-3DS, ISRO's latest meteorological satellite, developed at the U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru for the Ministry of Earth Science (MoES), has been flagged off to SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota, for launch aboard GSLV-F14.https://t.co/47wpxKyxdp pic.twitter.com/nelmNjN8hu

— ISRO (@isro) January 27, 2024

Objectives and Significance

The INSAT-3DS aims to ensure the continuity and expansion of the capabilities provided by the current INSAT-3D and 3DR satellites in orbit.

The INSAT-3DS is tasked with improving meteorological observations and monitoring over land and ocean surfaces, thereby enhancing weather forecasting and disaster warning systems.

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What are the payloads of INSAT-3DS?

Equipped with cutting-edge technology, INSAT-3DS will feature a 6 channel Imager and a 19 channel Sounder for meteorological purposes, alongside communication payloads including the Data Relay Transponder (DRT) and the Satellite-aided Search and Rescue (SAS&R) transponder.

The DRT is designed to collect and transmit meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic data from Data Collection Platforms and Automatic Weather Stations (AWS), thus augmenting weather forecasting accuracy.

The SAS&R transponder will play a critical role in global search and rescue operations by relaying distress signals and alert detections from beacon transmitters, ensuring comprehensive receive coverage worldwide.

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