INSAT-3DS satellite launched by GSLV rocket begins imaging the Earth

CHENNAI, Mar 11 : The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on Monday  announced that INSAT-3DS, the meteorological satellite, has initiated Earth imaging  operations.

The first set of images by the meteorological payloads (6-channel Imager and 19-channel  Sounder) was captured on March 7, 2024.

In a post on X, ISRO said “INSAT-3DS Mission: First glimpse of the beauty and complexity  of Earth through modern Imager and Sounder payloads onboard INSAT-3DS.

“This data serves as crucial input for Indian scientists for mereological studies, weather  forecasts, and understanding atmospheric dynamics”, it said sharing a number of  pictures captured by the satellite.

The satellite was launched on February 17 from the spaceport of Sriharikota. India’s heavy  rocket GeoSynchronous Launch Vehicle GSLV-F14 successfully injected ther 2,274 kg  INSAT-3DS, a meteorological and disaster warning satellite into the desired orbit.

After completing orbit-raising operations, the satellite reached the designated geostationary  slot for the In Orbit Testing (IOT) on February 28.

IOT of the Satellite Communications was conducted between February 29 and March 3, 2024.  As part of Meteorological Payload IOT, the first session of imaging for Imager and Sounder  payloads was carried out on March 7, 2024.

The payload parameters are found to be nominal, complying with payload specifications.  “Thus, all the payloads of INSAT-3DS have been tested to perform nominally”, ISRO said.UNI)