The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has announced that the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission will be launched on Saturday, 17 February 2024 at 17:30 IST from SDSC-SHAR, Sriharikota.
“In its 16th mission, the GSLV aims to deploy the insat-3DS meteorological satellite into the Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO). Subsequent orbit-raising maneuvers will ensure that the satellite is positioned in a Geo-stationary Orbit", the ISRO said in a post on X.
The satellite seeks to significantly improve meteorological monitoring as well as enhance telecommunications, broadcasting, and search and rescue operations.
Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is a three-stage 51.7 m launch vehicle having a liftoff mass of 420 tonnes.
INSAT-3DS is specifically designed to provide advanced meteorological observations, enhancing weather forecasting capabilities. It is also equipped with cutting-edge payloads, including a six-channel Imager and 19-channel Sounder for meteorological observations.