ISRO to launch INSAT-3DS on Feb 17, will improve forecasts

This new facility, weighing 2,274kgs and funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, will enable the development of newer satellite products that can be deployed while tracking cyclones, monsoon systems, thunderstorms and other natural disasters. INSAT-3DS shall further the observations of atmosphere, land and oceans.

The INSAT-3DS is a continuation to the Third Generation Meteorological Satellite series from the geostationary orbit. Presently, meteorologists make extensive use of data generated by satellites like the INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR (launched in September, 2016, still operational)

Since 2003, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has been using INSAT data for its operational meteorology purposes. The advent of satellite-based products brought significant improvements in the forecast accuracy, monitoring of atmosphere and ocean parameters and overall enhanced the meteorological services leading to reduction in loss to property, life and livelihood.

In all, INSAT-3DS comprises four payloads  — an Imager, a Sounder, a Data Relay Transponder and a Satellite aided Search and Rescue Transponder. The multi-spectral imager will generate images of the Earth across six wavelength bands aiding visualisation of colour-dependent atmospheric parameters like water vapour (humidity).

The sounder will contribute in generating vertical profiles of the atmosphere and provide information like temperature and humidity.