Context:
Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced the upcoming launch of the INSAT-3DS satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
About INSAT-3DS:
- Objective: INSAT-3DS, is an exclusive meteorological satellite realized by ISRO with the primary objective to provide continuity of services to the existing in-orbit INSAT-3D and 3DR satellites. INSAT or the Indian National Satellite System is a series of multipurpose Geostationary satellites launched by ISRO to satisfy the telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, and search and rescue needs of India.
- User-Funded Project: INSAT-3DS is a user-funded project in collaboration with the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The satellite is based on ISRO’s proven I-2k bus platform, with a lift-off mass of 2275 kg.
- Contributions from Indian Industries: Indian industries have played a significant role in the development of the satellite.
Payloads:
- Meteorological Payloads: Includes a 6-channel Imager and a 19-channel Sounder for enhanced meteorological observations and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces.
- Communication Payloads: Features the Data Relay Transponder (DRT) to receive meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic data, enhancing weather forecasting capabilities.
- Satellite-aided Search and Rescue (SAS&R) Transponder: Incorporated to relay distress signals/alerts for search and rescue services with global coverage.
Overall, INSAT-3DS is designed to contribute to weather forecasting, disaster warning, and search and rescue operations with advanced payloads and capabilities.