Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch its Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II (GSLV Mk II) rocket, nicknamed ‘Naughty Boy’, carrying the advanced meteorological INSAT-3DS satellite. The GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission aims to continue ISRO’s launches of Indian National Satellite System weather observation satellites to aid weather forecasting, cyclone tracking and provide meteorological data services to the country.
GSLV Mk II “Naughty Boy” Rocket
- The 49 meter tall GSLV Mk II rocket has been dubbed “Naughty Boy” by ISRO scientists due to its uneven track record in previous launch attempts.
- Out of its last 14 launch missions, 5 have ended in failure caused by issues with the rocket’s cryogenic upper stage engine.
- If successful, this mission will mark the rocket’s first launch since the GSLV-F11 mission in December 2018 carrying the GSAT-7A satellite.
Key Mission Details
- Launch date: February 20, 2024
- Launch site: Second Launch Pad, Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh
- Launch vehicle: GSLV Mk II (F14)
- Satellite: INSAT-3DS
- Satellite mass: 2,225 kg
- Orbit: Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO)
- Seperation altitude: 170 km above Earth
- Injection orbit perigee: 170 km
- Injection orbit apogee: 35,975 km
- Orbital inclination: 19.3 degrees
- Satellite manufacturer: ISRO
INSAT-3DS Meteorological Satellite
- INSAT-3DS will be the advanced successor to INSAT-3D launched in 2013 and deactivated in 2021 after completing its 8-year design life.
- Features 6 meteorological payloads and an imager to provide weather imaging and monitoring services with improved accuracy:
- Very High Resolution Radiometer (VHRR)
- Sounder
- Data Relay Transponder (DRT)
- Satellite Aided Search and Rescue (SAS&R) payloads
- Lightning Imager (LI) – new addition
- Earth’s Radiation Budget monitoring instruments
- Flexible Microwave Imager (FMI) with 6 frequency channels
Key Capabilities
- Improved weather forecasting up to a spatial resolution of 1 km
- Cyclone tracking and intensity prediction
- Detection of lightning events over sea and land
- Search and rescue transponder for disaster relief
- Climate and environment monitoring
Importance for India
- Boosts India’s weather monitoring capabilities utilising indigenous satellite technology
- Enhanced imaging and prediction to track natural calamities like cyclones
- Aid disaster management agencies with near real-time data
- Continues ISRO’s INSAT satellite series providing vital data services since 1983
INSAT-3DS Applications
Weather Forecasting
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- Provide accurate and near real-time meteorological data to India Meteorological Department (IMD) for weather monitoring and prediction
- High resolution images to track cloud patterns, cyclones, fog and storms
- Enable very short-range weather forecasting down to a few hours for specific regions
Disaster Management
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- Quickly identify developing cyclones and predict accurate landfall location & intensity for early warnings
- Detect heat waves, floods, droughts etc through climate monitoring payloads
- Provide critical updates during disasters for planning and damage assessment
Climate Change Studies
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- Measure greenhouse gases, ozone levels, atmospheric pollution over India
- Analyze melting rates of Himalayan glaciers
- Aid research on monsoons, global warming patterns etc.
Lightning Mapping
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- Create heat maps of lightning strikes during monsoons for disaster agencies
- Issue danger alerts for lightning heavy regions and airports
Satellite Aided Search & Rescue
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- Detect and locate distress signals from marine, aviation and land users
- Support search & rescue operations during disasters with near real-time data
Comparison of INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DS Meteorological Satellite Capabilities
| Parameter | INSAT-3D | INSAT-3DS |
| Launch year | 2013 | 2024 |
| Satellite mass (kg) | 2060 | 2225 |
| Design life (years) | 8 | 7 |
| Imager spatial resolution | 1 km | 1 km |
| Cyclone prediction accuracy | Moderate | High |
| Lightning monitoring payloads | No | Yes |
| Climate data quality | Standard | High |
The GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission signifies an important launch for ISRO to not only provide advanced meteorological services but also demonstrate the improved cryogenic capability of its ‘Naughty Boy’ rocket. The coming days will determine the outcome of this launch and if the GSLV Mk II can continue building upon its recent string of successes since the GSLV-F11 mission in 2017.
