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.
Tech’s pivotal role
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 thirdgeneration 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 the 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.
Details of mission
On February 17, 2024, at 5:35 PM, the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission soared into space from the Satish Dhawan Space Center at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh. The GSLV-F14 vehicle, measuring 51.7 meters in length and 4 meters in width, efficiently carried the 2,275-kg INSAT-3DS satellite into a geosynchronous orbit before transferring it to a stationary position in space.
The INSAT-3DS satellite is designed with a set of primary objectives aimed at comprehensive Earth observation and meteorological services: Surface monitoring and ocean observation: The satellite’s first objective is to diligently monitor the Earth’s surface and observe oceans, employing various spectral channels crucial for meteorological analysis.
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. 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.
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
The INSAT-3DS is purposefully crafted for sophisticated meteorological observations, elevating weather forecasting precision. Housing cuttingedge technology, the satellite boasts a six-channel imager and a 19-channel sounder dedicated to meteorological research, ensuring the acquisition of high-quality data.
Essential communication payloads 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.
