Hyderabad, 17 February: The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) successfully launched weather satellite INSAT-3DS with the help of GSLV F14 rocket on Saturday evening. It was launched at 5.35 pm from the Satish Dhawan Space Center (SDSC) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. ISRO Chief S. Somnath congratulated the scientists and staff on the success of the launch.
According to ISRO, three major achievements were achieved in this launch. First, this is the 16th flight of GSLV. This is the 10th flight of the indigenous cryo stage and the seventh operational flight of the indigenous cryo stage. After launching, the GSLV-F14 rocket placed the INSAT-3DS satellite in its designated orbit. Only after this the solar panels of the satellite have also opened. This means that this satellite of ISRO will continue to get energy from the light received from the sun and it will continue to work.
It works with the INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites currently in orbit. With the functioning of this satellite, accurate weather related information will be available. Also, it will be helpful in giving advance notice of natural disasters, so that preparations for rescue and relief work can be made in time.
According to the information given by ISRO, INSAT-3DS has been sent as a sequel to the earlier launched INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites. Weighing approximately 2,275 kg, INSAT-3DS satellite has a payload designed with state-of-the-art technology.
