The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch the 16th meteorological satellite, INSAT-3DS in space today February 17 scheduled at 5:30 pm. The satellite, named “Naughty Boy,” is aimed to study more precisely about weather forecasts and give accurate natural disaster warnings.
The satellite is set to launch the INSAT-3DS satellite using the GSLV F14 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. This marks the 16th mission for the GSLV rocket, aiming to deploy the INSAT-3DS satellite into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Funded entirely by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, this mission represents a significant milestone in India’s space endeavors.
INSAT-3DS holds great importance for India’s space agency as it promises highly accurate weather forecast capabilities by monitoring the ocean’s surface, aiding in disaster prevention measures.
The satellite’s advanced features are expected to enhance meteorological observations, monitor land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting, and improve disaster warnings. Additionally, it will provide Satellite-aided Research and Rescue services (SAR), among other functions.
The GSLV F14 rocket, colloquially known as the “naughty boy” of India’s space program, has faced challenges in previous missions, with a failure rate of 40%. Out of fifteen missions, six encountered problems. However, the last mission in May 2023 was a success, instilling confidence in its capabilities despite its troubled history.
Despite its nickname, GSLV F14 remains a crucial component of India’s space exploration efforts. Its objective in the upcoming mission is to ensure the continuity of services provided by existing operational satellites like INSAT-3D (launched in 2013) and INSAT-3DR (September 2016).
These services include weather forecasting, disaster warning, and SAR, contributing significantly to India’s technological advancements and national development.