Context: 

INSAT 3DS satellite, designed for enhanced meteorological observation, has been flagged off to launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

INSAT 3DS Satellite Flagged Off to SDSC-SHAR

• According to ISRO, the satellite has successfully completed assembly, integration, and testing activities at U.R. Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru, and it will be launched by GSLV F-14 (a more advanced rocket using liquid propellant).

About INSAT 3DS

• Indian National Satellite 3DS is an exclusive meteorological satellite designed for enhanced meteorological observation of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster management. 
• It is the third in a series of INSAT 3D satellites. Its predecessors were INSAT-3D (launched in 2013), and INSAT-3DR (2016).

• Development: It is a byproduct of the collaborative efforts of ISRO and the Indian Meteorological Organisation (IMO).
• User-Funded Project: The satellite is funded by the Ministry of Earth Science, and configured around ISRO’s I-2k bus platform with a lift-off mass of 2275 kg.
• Payload: 
  • Meteorology: Equipped with 6-channel imager and 19-channel sounder for enhanced meteorological observation.
  • Communication: It includes Data Relay Transponder (DRT) and Satellite aided search and Rescue (SAS$R) transponder.

How does INSAT 3DS Work?

• The Data Relay Transponder (DRT) instrument enhances weather forecasting capabilities by receiving meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic data from automatic data collection platforms or automatic weather stations (AWS).

Significance of INSAT 3DS

• Provides more accurate weather information. 
• Providing real-time information. It will be crucial for disaster management.
• It will be helpful in analysing environmental impact on different geographies (from forests to oceans to glaciers).

News Source: The Hindu