GSLV-F14 / INSAT-3DS Mission launch by ISRO (Feb -17 -2024) 





INSAT-3DS is an Indian meteorological satellite built by the Indian ISRO (Indian space research organization) using a GSLV launch vehicle. The satellite is a follow on of INSAT-3DR mission.

ISRO declare that the launch of the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission is set for Saturday, February 17, 2024, at 17:30 Hrs. IST from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR, Sriharikota.

“In its 16th mission, the GSLV aims to deploy the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite into the orbit of Geosynchronous (GTO) . Subsequent orbit-raising maneuvers will ensure slowly that the satellite is positioned in a Geo-stationary Orbit.

Name ;                 INSAT- 3DS
Full name ;         Indian National satellite-                                         3D  repeat
Mission type ; Weather satellite
Manufacturers ; ISRO 
Power ;            1164 W
Orbit ;                 Geostationary orbit 
Mass at launch;  2060 Kg
Dry mass ;         907 Kg
Altitude;            35786 Km
Longitude;         74°E


GSLV-F14 ; 



Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) is a three-stage 51.7 m long launch vehicle having a liftoff mass of 420 tonnes.

• The first stage (GS1) comprises a solid propellant (S139) motor having 139-ton propellant and four earth-storable propellant stages (L40) strapons which carry 40 tons of liquid propellant in each.

• The second stage (GS2) is also an earth-storable propellant stage loaded with 40-ton propellant.

• The third stage (GS3) is a cryogenic stage with a 15-ton propellant loading of liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2).

The GSLV on which this satellite will be launched is a flexible launch vehicle, deploying satellites for communications, navigation, Earth resource surveys and other missions. While traversing Earth’s atmosphere, the valuable payload is safeguarded from atmospheric forces by Ogive payload fairing, a nose-cone-like structure providing critical protection to the satellite.


INSAT 3DS ;

INSAT-3DS weather satellite is a follow-on mission of Third Generation Meteorological Satellite from Geostationary Orbit. GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS mission is fully funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). 
It is designed for enhanced meteorological observations and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning. The satellite will augment the Meteorological services along with the presently operational INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites. 
Indian Industries have significantly contributed to the making of the Satellite.

Mission ;

“It is advanced instruments to track changes on land and in the oceans, providing crucial data on vegetation health, ocean temperatures and potential hazards. 
This detailed monitoring will be essential for forecasting weather patterns, understanding climate change and taking environmental protection measures.

  • To monitor Earth’s surface, carry out Oceanic observations and its environment in various spectral channels of meteorological importance.  
  • To provide the vertical profile of various meteorological parameters of the Atmosphere.
  • To provide the Data Collection and Data Dissemination capabilities from the Data Collection Platforms (DCPs).
  • To provide Satellite Aided Search and Rescue services.

Camera ;

It has a 6-Channel multispectral imager that acts like a super-powered camera, detecting both visible and invisible light, such as infrared. 
Its sharp detail and ability to see multiple wavelengths help scientists understand the inner workings of cloud formations, predict rainfall amounts and measure temperatures throughout the atmosphere,” explained space expert Girish Linganna.

The space expert said it is a highly elliptical, temporary path used to launch satellites. “Picture it as a stretched-out oval around Earth, with its closest point (perigee) usually a few hundred kilometres above the surface and farthest point (apogee) around 36,000 kilometres out. Later, the satellite uses its own engines to move into a geosynchronous orbit. This is a special circular orbit about 36,000 kilometres above the Earth.” 

Sounder and other feature;

In addition to these, it also has a 19-Channel Sounder which is a highly advanced thermometer that checks the temperature of the atmosphere at various heights, from right above the ground to high up in the air.
 It works by detecting the small amounts of heat energy, known as infrared energy, which the air releases. This tool looks at this energy in 19 different ways—each way focusing on a specific layer of atmosphere. Rather than just giving one overall temperature, the sounder maps out temperatures and moisture at different levels to help weather experts understand the atmosphere’s stability


Other information 

Space agency ;         IMD & ISRO
Rocket ;                         GSLV Mk II - F14
Last update;                 08/02/2024
Launch date ;         17/02/2024
End of life expected ; ≥2030 

Satellite pay loads 

DCS;           Data collection service
SAS & R;  Advance aided research                                          and rescue
Imager;          6-Channel multispectral                                          imager 
Sounder;  19- channel sounder 


Previous satellites ;

  •  InSAT-3A 
  •  InSAT-3B 
  •  InSAT-3C 
All of which are no longer operational. The InSAT-3D is still functioning and will continue to do so until 2024, while the InSAT-3DR is operational and expected to remain so until 2026. The next in line is the InSAT-3DS.

Fund’s :

Various departments of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) such as the India
  • Meteorology Department (IMD),
  • National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF),
  • Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM),
  •  National Institute of Ocean Technology (NIOT),
  • Indian National Center for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS)
 and various other agencies and institutes will be using the INSAT-3DS Satellite data to provide improved weather forecasts and meteorological services.