Sriharikota, Feb 18:
In a crucial and significant mission, 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 on Saturday evening.
After a smooth 27.5 hr countdown, the 51.7 m tall vehicle, with a lift off mass of 420 tonnes, took off majestically from the Second Launch Pad at 1735 hrs from the SHAR-Range here and after a flight duration of 19 minutes successfully injected the Satellite into the orbit.
“GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS Mission accomplished,” ISRO said. The satellite was injected into a 36,647x 170 km Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) with an inclination of 19.35 deg to the equator, much to the delight of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) scientists, including chairman S. Somanath.
From Naughty boy (nicknamed) for being sloppy at times, GSLV, with the success of Saturday’s mission, has now become a disciplined boy.
Jubilant scenes were witnessed at the Mission Control Centre as scientists hugged and greeted each other for the success of the mission, which was fully funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
Subsequent orbit-raising maneuvers will be performed to position the Spacecraft in the GTO.
Addressing scientists, ISRO Chairman S.Somanath said “I am happy to announce the successful accomplishment of the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission.” The orbit reached was as planned and theGSLV vehicle performed very very well, he said.
He also said that the solar panels in the Satellite, which will observe various atmospheric parameters, were deployed.
Mr Somanath thanked all the scientists and the MoES.
He also congratulated everyone for this accomplishment.
The success of the Mission was all the more significant as the same GSLV will be used for the launch of NISAR Mission (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite) later this year.
“The next GSLV Mission will the NISAR Mission”, Mr Somanath said.
The launch of INSAT-3DS will represent a significant milestone in India’s space journey, underscoring ISRO’s commitment to harnessing space technology for societal benefits.
With its advanced capabilities and collaborative development approach, INSAT-3DS will bolster India’s capabilities in meteorology, disaster management, and beyond, reaffirming the nation’s prowess in space exploration and innovation.
The primary objectives of the mission are to monitor Earth’s surface, carry out Oceanic observations and its environment in various spectral channels of meteorological importance; to provide the vertical profile of various meteorological parameters of the Atmosphere; to provide the Data Collection and Data Dissemination capabilities from the Data Collection Platforms (DCPs) and to provide Satellite Aided Search and Rescue services.
