This heavy-lift rocket is set to soar into the skies on February 17, 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota.
The GSLV-F14 stands as a beacon of India's aerospace engineering prowess. (Photo: ISro)
New Delhi,UPDATED: Feb 9, 2024 11:28 IST
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for the upcoming launch of the INSAT-3DS satellite to the country's meteorological capabilities.
The satellite will launch aboard the formidable Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, designated GSLV-F14.
This heavy-lift rocket is set to soar into the skies on February 17, 2024, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR), Sriharikota, marking a pivotal moment in India's space endeavours.
WHAT IS GSLV-F14?
The GSLV-F14 stands as a beacon of India's aerospace engineering prowess, stretching 51.7 meters tall and boasting a liftoff mass of a colossal 420 tonnes.
Its design is a marvel of modern rocketry, featuring a three-stage propulsion system. The first stage, GS1, is powered by a solid propellant motor with a 139-ton propellant capacity, flanked by four strap-on stages each carrying 40 tons of earth-storable liquid propellant.
The second stage, GS2, continues the journey with another 40-ton earth-storable propellant load. The final push to orbit comes from the third stage, GS3, a cryogenic powerhouse loaded with 15 tons of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen.
As the GSLV-F14 ascends through the atmosphere, its precious cargo, the INSAT-3DS satellite, will remain shielded within an Ogive payload fairing.
WHY IS GSLV-F14 MISSION IMPORTANT?
This mission is not just another launch; it represents a leap forward in meteorological observation and environmental monitoring.
Funded entirely by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), the INSAT-3DS is a follow-on mission from the Third Generation Meteorological Satellite series and is poised to enhance weather forecasting and disaster warning capabilities.
Once operational, INSAT-3DS will join its predecessors, INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR, in providing critical data for meteorological services. The satellite's advanced instruments are designed to monitor Earth's surface and oceans, offering invaluable insights into various spectral channels crucial for meteorology.
The collaborative efforts of Indian industries have been instrumental in the satellite's development, showcasing the country's growing self-reliance in space technology.
Published By:
Sibu Kumar Tripathi
Published On:
Feb 9, 2024
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