Isro gears up to launch INSAT-3DS satellite and forwards it to Sriharikota
SAS&R transponder is built into the satellite to transmit a distress signal or warning detection from the beacon transmitters for search and rescue services with worldwide reception coverage
ISRO on Saturday said its meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS has been flagged off to Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) SHAR in Sriharikota for launch on board GSLV F14.
The satellite had successfully completed satellite assembly, integration and testing activities at UR Rao Satellite Center, Bengaluru.
The satellite is a user-funded project of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), configured around ISRO’s I-2k bus platform with a launch mass of 2275 kg. Indian industries have contributed significantly in making the satellite.
According to sources, the space agency would aim for a launch in mid-February.
“INSAT-3DS is an exclusive meteorological satellite realized by ISRO with the primary objective of providing continuity of services to the existing INSAT-3D and 3DR satellites in orbit and significantly enhancing the capabilities of the INSAT system “, ISRO said.
It was flagged off at SDSC-SHAR launch port in Andhra Pradesh on January 25, it said, adding that the Pre-Shipment Review (PSR) was also held with the participation of user community members.
According to ISRO, the satellite is designed for enhanced meteorological observations and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warnings, with state-of-the-art payloads: 6-channel Imager & 19-channel Sounder meteorology payloads, communications payloads viz. , The Data Relay Transponder (DRT) and the Satellite Assisted Search and Rescue Transponder (SAS&R).
The DRT instrument receives meteorological, hydrological and oceanographic data from automatic data collection platforms or automatic weather stations (AWS) and increases weather forecasting capabilities.
The SAS&R transponder is built into the satellite to transmit a distress signal or warning detection from the beacon transmitters for search and rescue services with worldwide reception coverage.
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First print: January 27, 2024 | 9:34 PM IST