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What is INSAT-3DS? ISRO’s New Advanced Satellite

What is INSAT-3DS?
INSAT-3DS is an advanced weather satellite built by ISRO to improve meteorological monitoring and forecasting capabilities over India.
INSAT-3DS
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has developed an advanced weather satellite called INSAT-3DS to improve India’s meteorological monitoring capabilities. As per reports, INSAT-3DS is scheduled for launch in February 2024 onboard ISRO’s GSLV-F14 rocket. The satellite has been designed to provide continuity of services offered by its predecessors – INSAT-3D launched in 2013 and INSAT-3DR launched in 2016. Additionally, it will also significantly enhance the overall capabilities of ISRO’s Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system which provides meteorological, communication and search-and-rescue services.
The purpose of INSAT-3DS is to strengthen India’s weather forecasting and disaster management systems with state-of-the-art payloads for enhanced meteorological observations. Its key objectives include round-the-clock monitoring of land and ocean surfaces to collect data for weather predictions, as well as detecting distress signals quickly for disaster response. Equipped with advanced weather monitoring instruments like a 6-channel Imager and 19-channel Sounder, INSAT-3DS is set to provide invaluable support for weather and climate studies. Moreover, its communication payloads will improve data relay and global search & rescue operations.
What are the INSAT-3DS Satellite Details?
- Built on ISRO’s I-2k bus platform
- Lift-off mass: 2,275 kg
- Carries advanced payloads for weather observation
- 6-channel Imager
- 19-channel Sounder
- Communication payloads:
- Data Relay Transponder (DRT)
- Satellite Aided Search and Rescue (SAS&R) transponder

INSAT-3DS Technical Information
INSAT-3DS | Details |
---|---|
Orbit Type | Geostationary |
Orbit Altitude | 36000 km |
Orbit Longitude | -93.5 deg |
Objectives and Applications | Meteorology, data collection, communication, search and rescue. |
Atmosphere Measurements | – Atmospheric Humidity Fields |
– Atmospheric Winds | |
– Radiation Budget | |
– Atmospheric Temperature Fields | |
Land Measurements | Surface temperature (land) |
Ocean Measurements | Surface temperature (ocean) |
Snow & Ice Measurements | Snow cover, edge, and depth |
Mission Instruments | – Imager (INSAT 3D) – Very High Resolution Radiometer (Operational) |
– Sounder (INSAT) – IR Sounder (Operational) |
INSAT-3DS is built on ISRO’s proven I-2k satellite bus platform which provides power, propulsion, and other core functions. With a lift-off mass of 2,275 kgs, it is a fairly large satellite designed to carry a range of payloads for enhanced meteorological observations. The main payloads include a 6-channel Imager and 19-channel Sounder – both specialized for monitoring weather parameters like atmospheric humidity, surface temperatures, winds and cloud properties. The Imager offers very high resolution multi-spectral imagery while the Sounder provides high-resolution infrared spectral imaging.
In addition, INSAT-3DS hosts two communication payloads – the Data Relay Transponder (DRT) and Search & Rescue transponder. The DRT allows collection of meteorological and hydrological data from numerous automatic platforms across India. This would significantly improve weather monitoring and forecasting capabilities. The Satellite Aided Search and Rescue (SAS&R) transponder relays distress alert signals to appropriate authorities for prompt response, thus aiding search and rescue operations globally.
INSAT-3DS Current Launch Status?
The pre-launch preparations for INSAT-3DS have been carried out collaboratively between ISRO and the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India. The satellite was assembled, integrated and subjected to various performance tests at ISRO’s U R Rao Satellite Centre in Bengaluru. This phase verified the satellite’s readiness in terms of its structural, electrical and operational capabilities required for meeting the mission objectives.
With the satellite fabrications completed successfully, INSAT-3DS was officially flagged off to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota on January 25, 2024 – marking the commencement of launch preparations. Currently, the satellite and launch vehicle – GSLV-F14, are at the integration facilities where they will be joined and encapsulated as a single entity. This integrated unit will then be transported to the launch pad just days prior to the start of the launch countdown.
What makes INSAT-3DS Special?
The 2 major purpose that will be served by INSAT-3DS are as following:
1. Enhanced Capabilities
With its advanced payload configuration, INSAT-3DS is designed to significantly enhance the capabilities of the INSAT system in terms of meteorological observations and disaster monitoring. By providing high resolution spectral and multi-spectral imaging from the geostationary orbit, the satellite will enable very accurate weather predictions and early warnings. The Imager and Sounder payloads will especially collect valuable data relating to atmospheric conditions, ocean wind speeds, cloud properties, water vapor content, and sea surface temperatures.
Additionally, the Data Relay Transponder (DRT) will facilitate collection of in-situ hydrometeorology data from numerous automatic platforms as a supplementary input for forecast models. All this diverse data assimilation will substantially improve monitoring of cyclones, floods, droughts and other natural disasters in India.
2. Search and Rescue Aid
The INSAT-3DS satellite hosts a dedicated Search and Rescue (SAS&R) transponder payload to strengthen disaster relief capabilities globally. It is designed to detect and locate signals from distress alert transmitters, emergency locator transmitters or personal locator beacons. On receiving an emergency signal, the SAS&R transponder will capture its location and relay the information to Mission Control Center with the help of a Search and Rescue processor.
This enables identification of accident location that aids in directing search and rescue teams swiftly to save precious lives. Considering that India shares two major oceans, such Search and Rescue capabilities hold high significance for marine and aviation safety in the region.
What are the Launch Significance for India?
The launch of INSAT-3DS onboard GSLV-F14 will mark a major accomplishment for the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) in utilizing space technology for national development. It will augment the success of earlier INSAT satellites that have become indispensable for weather monitoring, communication, broadcasting and disaster management in India. As a next-generation meteorological satellite, INSAT-3DS will provide continuity and substantial enhancement of observation capabilities – thus cementing India’s position in weather study and prediction.
By supporting accurate forecasting, improved data collection systems and global search & rescue networks, INSAT-3DS underscores how strategic space-tech investments yield multifaceted socio-economic benefits. Its observations of oceanic and atmospheric patterns will be valuable for climate research organizations as well as common citizens planning activities based on weather predictions. Such contributions further underscore India’s commitment to developing and deploying advanced space assets for national resilience and global sustainability.
When will INSAT 3DS be launched?
INSAT-3DS is scheduled for launch in February 2024 onboard ISRO’s GSLV-F14 rocket.
What payloads does INSAT 3DS carry?
INSAT-3DS carries an Imager, Sounder, Data Relay Transponder, and Search and Rescue transponder as payloads for observation and communication.
How will INSAT 3DS aid disaster management?
By monitoring land and ocean surfaces, INSAT-3DS will provide early warnings of natural disasters like cyclones, floods, and droughts.