ISRO to launch advanced weather satellite INSAT-3DR today

ISRO will launch advanced weather satellite, INSAT-3DR, using the geosynchronous launch vehicle GSLV-F05, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota today. The launch of the satellite into the Geostationary Transfer Orbit is scheduled to take place at 4.10 pm. 

The satellite, weighing 2,211 kilograms during lift off, will have about ten years of operational life and will provide a variety of meteorological services to the country. It will have an advanced imager, a sounder and transponders for data relay and search and rescue missions. Today’s mission involves the tenth flight for the GSLV launch vehicle. 

This is the fourth time it uses an indigenous cryogenic upper stage. And more significantly, this is the first operational flight using India’s own cryogenic



engine. It is in effect a “Make in India” initiative in the complex technology in which the national space agency ISRO has gained expertise. Once the core stage of the launch vehicle is ignited, it is set to inject the payload in an orbit of 170 kilometer to the nearest point and about 36000 kilometer during its far off phase, in just about 17 minutes. It includes the firing of the cryogenic upper stage lasting for about 12 minutes. The satellite will then be maneuvered to a nearly 36000 kilometer circular orbit by scientists. 

The operational life of the INSAT-3DR is about ten years. Today’s success would also serve to enhance the reliability of the 2.5 ton capacity GSLV launch vehicle. Its next version of 4-tonne capacity GSLV Mark-III is also being developed by ISRO.