INSAT-3DS: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has rescheduled the launch timing of the INSAT-3DS mission, also known as GSLV-F14. Earlier, the INSAT-3DS satellite was scheduled to be launched at 17:30 pm IST on February 17, but now, the timing has been changed to 17:35 pm IST on the same day, ISRO said in a mission update on X (formerly Twitter). A Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) will launch the INSAT-3DS satellite, which will be a continuation of the services provided by INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites.
The lift-off will take place from Second Launch Pad, Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
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More about INSAT-3DS
This will be GSLV’s 16th flight. INSAT-3DS is a disaster warning and meteorological satellite. It will first be placed into a geosynchronous transfer orbit, and then into a geostationary orbit after some orbit-raising manoeuvres.
A geosynchronous transfer orbit is a circular orbit 35,785 kilometres above the Earth, in which a satellite's orbital period is equal to the Blue Planet's orbital period of 23 hours and 56 minutes. A geostationary orbit is a special type of geosynchronous transfer orbit. Geosynchronous transfer orbits can have any inclination, but a geostationary orbit's plane lies exactly above the Earth's equatorial plane.
INSAT-3DS is the latest INSAT (Indian National Satellite), and is designed to perform enhanced meteorological observations, and to monitor land and ocean surfaces for weather forecast and disaster warning.
When and how to watch the launch of INSAT-3DS
ISRO has invited citizens to witness the launch of INSAT-3DS live from the Launch View Gallery at Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
People who cannot witness the launch live can watch the livestreaming on the official website, official Facebook account, and official YouTube channel of ISRO, and also on Doordarshan.