India’s “Naughty Boy” Rocket: ISRO Successfully Launches INSAT-3DS Meteorological Satellite aboard GSLV Rocket

In a successful mission, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite aboard a Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) rocket from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. 

This marks the 16th mission for the GSLV rocket, which deployed the INSAT-3DS satellite into its intended orbit. ISRO Chairman S Somanath congratulated the team and confirmed the successful deployment of solar panels.

The INSAT-3DS mission aims to maintain the continuity of services provided by the current operational INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites. 

It focuses on enhanced meteorological observations, monitoring land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning, and providing Satellite Aided Search and Rescue Services.

Key Objectives of ISRO’s INSAT-3DS mission:

1. Monitor Earth’s surface, observe oceans, and analyze the environment through various essential meteorological perspectives.

2. Provide information on diverse atmospheric conditions through vertical profiles.

3. Manage data collection and dissemination from Data Collection Platforms (DCPs).

4. Support Search and Rescue services.

Payloads on ISRO’s INSAT-3DS:

1. Imager and Sounder: Equipped with a 6-channel Imager and a 19-channel Sounder for advanced meteorological observations.

2. Communication Payloads: Includes the Data Relay Transponder (DRT) for crucial communication.

3. Data Collection: The DRT receives data from automatic Data Collection Platforms and Automatic Weather Stations, enhancing weather forecasting capabilities.

4. SAS&R Transponder: Plays a vital role in relaying distress signals and alert detections from beacon transmitters, contributing to global search and rescue services.

About ‘Naughty Boy’ name 

The GSLV gained the nickname naughty boy as at least four out of 15 previous launches with the rocket have been unsuccessful. In comparison, only three of the 60 missions so far by ISRO’s workhorse PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), and none of the seven by its successor LVM-3, have failed.

ISRO’s Next Mission:

ISRO Chairman confirmed that the joint mission with NASA named NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is on schedule. NISAR is an Earth-observing mission aimed at utilizing two radars to enhance observational capabilities for a broader spectrum of changes.