INSAT-3DS: India's Meteorological Marvel

Dr. Manish Mohan Gore

Weather and climate profoundly influence various aspects of human life, extending beyond agriculture, where the successful cultivation of food grains and crops depends on prevailing weather conditions. Weather and climate also significantly impact healthcare, influencing the spread of diseases and posing health risks. Inclement conditions can damage infrastructure like roads and buildings, disrupting economies. Additionally, climate and weather patterns play a crucial role in energy production and consumption, affecting energy demand and efficiency. Water resources face challenges as climate changes, impacting agriculture, industry and domestic use. The economy is vulnerable to weather-related events, affecting agriculture, insurance costs and overall productivity. Biodiversity is at risk as ecosystems are disrupted by climate change, threatening plant and animal species. Changing climate conditions also influence human migration patterns, prompting movement in response to environmental shifts like rising sea levels and extreme weather events. A comprehensive understanding of these wide-ranging effects is essential for developing strategies to mitigate their negative impacts across diverse sectors.

Technology plays a pivotal role in monitoring and understanding both weather and climate, enabling us to anticipate changes in meteorological phenomena. Notably, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stand as crucial contributors in our country's efforts to serve humanity through the measurement and prediction of weather and climate conditions. A milestone in this pursuit occurred on February 17, 2024, with the launch of India's advanced weather satellite GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS. This third-generation meteorological satellite, a key component of ISRO's endeavours, is designed for sophisticated meteorological observations. Its successful journey into space marks a significant stride in the scientific progress of the Indian region, promising enhanced capabilities in weather forecasting. Equipped with state-of-the-art payload including 6-channel imager and 19-channel sounder, INSAT-3DS satellite will ensure top-class meteorological data collection.  The primary objective of this special meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS is to provide continuity of services to the existing in-orbit INSAT-3D (launched in 2013) and 3DR (launched in 2016) and significantly enhance the capabilities of the INSAT system.

Mission Details

On 17 February 2024, at 5:35 PM, the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission soared into space from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The GSLV-F14 vehicle, measuring 51.7 meters in length and 4 meters in width, efficiently carried the 2275 kg INSAT-3DS satellite into a geosynchronous orbit before transferring it to a stationary position in space. This mission marks the 16th flight of GSLV and the 10th with an Indigenous Cryo stage.

Key Goals of INSAT-3DS Satellite

The INSAT-3DS satellite is designed with a set of primary objectives aimed at comprehensive Earth observation and meteorological services:

1.     Surface Monitoring and Ocean Observation: The satellite's first objective is to diligently monitor the Earth's surface and observe the oceans, employing various spectral channels crucial for meteorological analysis.

2.     Vertical Profiling of Atmosphere: INSAT-3DS is tasked with providing detailed vertical profiles of diverse meteorological parameters within the atmosphere, contributing to a thorough understanding of atmospheric conditions.

3.     Data Collection and Dissemination: A pivotal role of the satellite is to facilitate the collection and dissemination of data through dedicated data collection platforms, ensuring efficient and timely access to vital information.

4.     Satellite-Aided Search and Rescue Services: INSAT-3DS is equipped to offer satellite-aided search and rescue services, demonstrating its commitment to enhancing safety and response capabilities in emergency situations.

Advanced Capabilities of INSAT-3DS

The INSAT-3DS is purposefully crafted for sophisticated meteorological observations, elevating weather forecasting precision. Housing cutting-edge technology, the satellite boasts a 6-channel imager and a 19-channel sounder dedicated to meteorological research, ensuring the acquisition of high-quality data. Essential communication payloads, such as the Data Relay Transponder (DRT), play a crucial role by receiving data from automated collection platforms and weather stations, thereby augmenting weather forecasting capabilities. A key component, the SAS&R transponder, contributes significantly to distress signal detection and warning reception from beacon transmitters, actively participating in global search and rescue services. With its advanced payload and robust communication features, INSAT-3DS is adept at monitoring both land and ocean surfaces, providing vital data for disaster warning systems and bolstering early-warning capabilities. In a remarkable start to the year 2024, ISRO Chairman Shri S. Somanath unveiled an ambitious agenda, targeting a minimum of 12 launches. Demonstrating this commitment, ISRO achieved the successful launch of the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) on January 1, marking the beginning of the year. Further solidifying its accomplishments, on January 6, ISRO flawlessly positioned India's inaugural space-based solar observatory, the Aditya-L1 satellite, launched on September 2 the previous year, into its designated orbit at Earth-Sun Lagrange point 1.

Benefits of INSAT-3DS Data

As per information from the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, the meteorological data obtained from INSAT-3DS will be used by the India Meteorological Department (IMD). The data will also be collected by laboratories working under the Ministry of Earth Sciences such as National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). They will use the data for weather related research and services. The data obtained from this satellite will mainly be used to obtain information about India's weather and climate forecast. Apart from this, the data from this satellite will also prove helpful in issuing timely warnings and advance information and advisories to the general public, fishermen and farmers.

India's Legacy of Meteorological Wisdom

India boasts a profound legacy of meteorological observations and weather prediction, dating back to ancient times. The classic work "Brihatsamhita," authored by Varahamihira around 500 AD, stands as evidence of the extensive knowledge and understanding of atmospheric processes during that era. The text emphasises the importance of adequate rainfall for agricultural prosperity. Another ancient masterpiece, "Arthashastra" by Kautilya, meticulously documents scientific rainfall measurements and their applications in revenue and relief efforts. Even the revered poet Kalidasa, in the seventh century, referenced the monsoon's onset and path over central India in his epic "Meghdoot." The formal establishment of meteorology as a scientific discipline occurred in the 17th century, marked by the invention of the thermometer and barometer, alongside the formulation of laws governing atmospheric gases. India has been home to some of the world's oldest meteorological observatories. The British East India Company founded such facilities in Calcutta and Madras to study the nation's weather and climate. The Asiatic Society of Bengal, founded in 1784 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), played a crucial role in advancing scientific studies in Indian meteorology. In response to the calamitous tropical cyclone of 1864 in Calcutta and subsequent monsoon failures, the Indian Government established the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in 1875. Initially headquartered in Calcutta, IMD later moved to Shimla, Poona (now Pune), and finally to New Delhi. Since its inception, IMD has continually advanced its infrastructure for meteorological observations, communications, forecasting, and weather services, utilising contemporary technology. During the telegraph era, IMD pioneered the use of weather telegrams for collecting observational data and disseminating warnings. As technology evolved, IMD became the first organisation in India to employ a message-switching computer for global data exchange in the computer age. Further contributing to relentless weather monitoring and forecasting, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has played a pivotal role. Leveraging ISRO's research and development prowess, India became the first developing country to have its own geostationary satellite (INSAT), primarily designed for weather monitoring and cyclone warnings. This historical continuum reflects India's commitment to advancing meteorological sciences with a blend of ancient wisdom and modern technological innovation.

Conclusion

The benefits derived from the data acquired through INSAT-3DS will be crucial for advancing meteorological research and services. The primary recipient of this valuable meteorological data is the India Meteorological Department (IMD). Additionally, laboratories operating under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, such as the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF), Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT) and Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), will leverage this data for weather-related research and services. Beyond this, the information derived from INSAT-3DS will play a pivotal role in issuing timely warnings, as well as providing advance information and advisories to the general public, fishermen and farmers. In essence, the data collected from INSAT-3DS is poised to significantly enhance our ability to monitor, understand and communicate critical meteorological information for the benefit of various sectors and the public at large.

(The author is Scientist, CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication & Policy Research (NIScPR) and Principal Investigator, Science Media Communication Cell. Feedback on this article can be sent to feedback.employmentnews@ gmail.com)

Views expressed are personal.