The INSAT-3DS mission is scheduled to be launched aboard an ISRO GSLV-F14 rocket tentatively on January 10, 2024 (UTC) from the Satish Dawan Space Centre, in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The INSat-3DS is a weather satellite developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and will be launched using the GSLV Mk-II rocket. It will be the seventh satellite in the INSat-3D series.
Versatile Satellite System: Weather and Broadcasting
INSat, also known as the Indian National Satellite System, is a set of versatile geostationary satellites launched by ISRO with the aim of fulfilling India’s telecommunication, broadcasting, meteorology and search and rescue requirements. Established in 1983, INSat holds the distinction of being the biggest domestic communication system in the Asia-Pacific region. The satellite is supervised and operated by monitoring centres located in Hassan and Bhopal.
INSat-3D is a versatile satellite that orbits synchronously with Earth and carries essential meteorological payloads, such as an image capturing device and a sound recording device. The primary goals of this mission are to establish an effective system for observing and predicting the environment and providing early warning about storms to safeguard human lives and property. INSat-3D is responsible for monitoring various aspects of Earth’s surface and oceans, while also facilitating the distribution of important data.
INSat-3D offers Broadcast Satellite Services (BSS) using two S-band transponders. The collection and processing of data from INSat-3D is carried out at the Space Applications Centre, Bopal campus, Ahmedabad, India.
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The process of handling INSat-3D data can be broadly divided into four steps:
- A ground receiving system is used to collect data from the satellite
- The collected data is then processed by the Data Reception (DR) system to create raw data (L0) files
- The raw data is further analysed and transformed into calibrated and geo-located data files (L1B) through the Data Processing (DP) system
- Finally, a Product Generation and Dissemination System is employed to generate useful products from the processed data and distribute them
INSat-3DS
INSAT 3DS is equipped with a 6-channel imager and a 19-channel sounder to collect meteorological data. Additionally, it serves the purpose of providing search-and-rescue information and facilitating the relay of messages for terrestrial data collection platforms. This satellite is a successor to the INSat-3DR, which was launched in September 2016.
Geostationary Satellite
A geostationary satellite orbits Earth at the same rotational speed as the planet, allowing it to remain fixed relative to a specific location on Earth’s surface. Positioned directly above the equator, these satellites maintain an altitude of approximately 35,786 kilometres. This synchronization with Earth’s rotation enables them to provide consistent coverage to a designated region—such as communication, or weather monitoring. The stationary position allows uninterrupted communication services, as antennas on the ground can maintain a fixed connection with the satellite. Geostationary satellites play a crucial role in telecommunications, broadcasting, weather forecasting and environmental monitoring.
GSLV Mk-II Launch Vehicle
The GSLV Mk-II is a space launch vehicle created by India for deploying communication satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbits. Originally, Russian GK-supplied cryogenic stages were used. But, later, India developed its own cryogenic stage, which was first used in January 2014 for GSLV D5. This 4th generation launch vehicle consists of three stages and four liquid strap-ons. The Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS), developed domestically and proven through successful launches, serves as the third stage for the GSLV Mk-II. Since January 2014, the vehicle has achieved a consistent track record of six consecutive successful launches.
Girish Linganna
Aerospace & Defence Analyst
(The author of this article is a Defence, Aerospace & Political Analyst based in Bengaluru. He is also Director of ADD Engineering Components, India, Pvt. Ltd, a subsidiary of ADD Engineering GmbH, Germany. You can reach out to him at: girishlinganna@gmail.com)
