ISRO's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV): A New Chapter Unfolds with INSAT-3DS

India’s space agency, ISRO, is set to launch its latest weather satellite, INSAT-3DS, utilizing the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) from Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh on Saturday at 5:35 pm. The GSLV, colloquially known as the “naughty boy,” has faced criticism for a 40% failure rate in six out of its 15 flights. Despite this reputation, ISRO aims to bolster India’s weather and climate monitoring services with this mission.

The new weather satellite is called INSAT-3DS.

In contrast to the GSLV, its heavier counterpart, the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (Bahubali rocket), boasts a flawless success rate across seven flights. ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) also maintains an impressive 95% success rate with just three failures out of 60 launches.

The GSLV, a 51.7-meter-long three-stage rocket equipped with an Indian-made cryogenic engine, has a liftoff mass of 420 tonnes. Despite its history, ISRO plans to retire the GSLV after a few more launches.

INSAT-3DS, the satellite at the center of Saturday’s launch, stands out as a crucial addition to India’s weather and climate monitoring capabilities. Weighing 2,274 kg and costing approximately ₹480 crore, the third-generation meteorological satellite will contribute to enhanced meteorological observations, disaster warnings, and weather forecasting.

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, missions undertaken by the Department of Space now require full endorsement and support from user agencies. INSAT-3DS, fully funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, aligns with India’s commitment to advancing weather monitoring services.

The satellite is expected to play a vital role in providing accurate forecasts, contributing to the reduction of casualties during natural disasters. Dr. M Ravichandran, the Secretary of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, lauds India’s weather satellites as game-changers, highlighting their role in significantly improving cyclone forecasts and minimizing casualties.

Dr. Ashim Kumar Mitra, Project Director of the Satellite Meteorology Division at the India Meteorological Department (IMD), emphasizes the importance of high-quality observations from weather satellites in a tropical country like India. INSAT-3DS is set to replace INSAT-3D, which has served since 2013.

Apart from its meteorological applications, the new satellite features a search-and-rescue transponder, aiding in distress signal reception from special equipment carried by ships and trekkers. ISRO’s commitment to advancing weather satellite technology is underscored by its proven returns on investment.

As the GSLV prepares for its latest mission, the space community eagerly awaits to see if the “naughty boy” has been tamed into obedience or if it will continue to defy expectations.