Context: 

This article is based on the news “ISRO to launch INSAT-3DS on Feb 17, will improve forecasts” which was published in the Indian Express. ISRO to launch INSAT-3DS on Feb 17 to improve forecasts. It is the third in a series of INSAT-3D satellites. 

• Its predecessors were INSAT-3D (launched in 2013), and INSAT-3DR (2016).

About INSAT-3DS

• It is designed for enhanced meteorological observations and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning.
• Launch Details: INSAT-3DS mission is to be launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

• Funding:  Fully funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). 
• Collaboration: ISRO and the India Meteorological Organisation (IMD).
• Launch Vehicle: Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F14). The GSLV aims at deploying the INSAT-3DS into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO).
• Augmentation: The satellite will augment the Meteorological services along with the presently operational INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites.

Aim of INSAT-3DS Mission

• To monitor Earth’s surface, carry out Oceanic observations and its environment in various spectral channels of meteorological importance.
• To provide the vertical profile of various meteorological parameters of the Atmosphere.
• To provide the Data Collection and Data Dissemination capabilities from the Data Collection Platforms (DCPs).
• To provide Satellite Aided Search and Rescue services.

INSAT-3DS Payload

• Imager Payload: INSAT-3DS Satellite carries a multi-spectral Imager (optical radiometer) capable of generating images of the Earth and its environment in six wavelength bands.
• Sounder Payload: Sounder will provide the information on the vertical profiles of the Atmosphere – temperature, humidity etc. 
• Data Relay Transponder (DRT): Receives globally Meteorological, Hydrological and Oceanographic data from automatic Data collection platforms/Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) from multi-user and relays back to the user terminal. 
•  Satellite-aided Search and Rescue (SA&SR) Transponder: Relays a distress signal/alert detection from the beacon transmitters for Search and Rescue purposes.

News Source: Indian Express

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