ISRO’s ‘naughty boy’ rocket to launch India’s latest weather satellite

Context- Meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS will be launched into space by a Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) in a crucial mission for the rocket called “naughty boy”.

Key Highlights

• The GSLV-F14 will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
• It will be the 16th mission of the rocket and its 10th flight using the indigenously developed cryogenic engine.
  • After around 18 minutes of launch, the satellite will be injected in a 36,647 km x 170 km elliptical orbit.

Significance

• The mission’s success will be important for the GSLV, which is scheduled to carry later this year the Earth observation satellite, NISAR, which is being jointly developed by NASA and ISRO.
• It will provide advanced weather observations of both land and ocean surfaces.
• It will also help in short-range forecasts of extreme weather events such as thunderstorms, provide visibility estimation for abytion, and help in studying forest fire, smoke, snow cover, weather studies.

How does the Indian National Satellite (INSAT) system help in weather analysis?

• Advanced Imaging: INSAT satellites like 3D and 3DR use red-green-blue (RGB) imagers. These help in figuring out extraordinary weather phenomena by studying solar reflectance and brightness temperature at diverse wavelengths.
  • INSAT 3D and 3DR’s strategic geostationary orbits make certain steady monitoring over India, important for real-time weather analysis.
• Day and Night Monitoring: With ‘day microphysics’ and ‘night microphysics’ additives, those satellites efficiently track weather changes each all through day and night. This dual capability permits for more comprehensive monitoring.
• Snow and Cloud Differentiation: The satellites differentiate between snow and clouds through their reflectance in different elements of the spectrum, critical for correct weather predictions.
• Enhanced Weather Predictions: By combining day and night information, scientists can track cyclone formation and thunderstorm predictions, enhancing early caution systems.
• Advanced Radiometers: Upgraded radiometers on satellites like 3DR offer better spatial decision and capability compared to in advance models like Kalpana 1 and INSAT 3A.
• Atmospheric Sounders: These degree temperature, humidity, and water vapor, offering detailed atmospheric profiles essential for weather analysis.
• Continual Improvement: Each new satellite in the series gives stepped forward generation, like INSAT 3DR’s upgraded VHRR, sounder, and extra transponders, enhancing India’s weather monitoring abilities.

Type of Weather Satellites in India 

• Kalpana 1: Launched in 2002, was located in a geostationary orbit. It changed into ready with an early model of the Very High-Resolution Radiometer (VHRR) and a records-relay transponder. It was deactivated in September 2017 after 15 years of service.
• INSAT 3A: Launched in 2003, it carried a three-channel VHRR for meteorological observations with specific resolutions for visible, thermal infrared, and water vapor.
• INSAT 3-D and 3DR: Both are stationed in geostationary orbits, at 82 tiers and 74 stages east longitudes respectively. These satellites use upgraded VHRRs for improved spatial resolution and capability. They additionally carry atmospheric sounders for measuring temperature, humidity, and water vapor.
• Upcoming INSAT 3DS: Scheduled for launch in February 2024 by way of the Indian Space Research Organisation using the GSLV Mk II launch vehicle. The “3DS” in its call stands for “three-D 2nd repeat”, indicating it’s the next launch following the INSAT 3-d and 3DR series.

Source: News on AIR

UPSC Mains Practice Question:

Q.Examine how INSAT satellites, like INSAT 3D and 3DR, contribute to India’s weather forecasting abilities.

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