Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: Recently, ISRO successfully launched the MoES-funded GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS satellite from Srihari Kota, enhancing India’s meteorological services.
About GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS satellite:
| Feature | Details |
| Launch Vehicle Stages | 3-stage launch vehicle: GS1 with solid propellant motor and four earth-storable propellant stages (EPS); GS2 with earth-storable propellant; GS3 cryogenic stage with LOX and LH2 |
| Flight Number | 16th flight of GSLV, 10th with indigenous cryo stage |
| INSAT-3DS Payloads | Imager, Sounder, Data Relay Transponder (DRT), Satellite aided Search and Rescue (SA&SR) Transponder |
| Imager Payload: Multi-spectral Imager generating Earth images in six wavelength bands | |
| Sounder Payload: 19-channel Sounder for atmospheric vertical profiles data | |
| Data Relay Transponder (DRT): Receives and relays meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic data | |
| Satellite Aided Search and Rescue (SA&SR) Transponder: Relays distress signals for global search and rescue in the UHF band | |
| Objective | Enhance meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and disaster warning capabilities |
| Funding | Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) |
| Satellite Role | Monitor land and ocean surfaces, augment services of INSAT-3D (2013) and INSAT-3DR (2016) |
| Benefits | Improved weather forecasts, better disaster management, enhanced data collection and dissemination, satellite-aided search and rescue services |
ISRO’s Launch Vehicles:
| Feature | SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle) | PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) | GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) | GSLV MK-III (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III) |
| Purpose | Launch small satellites into low Earth orbit (LEO) | Launch satellites into polar orbits and geosynchronous transfer orbits | Launch heavier payloads than PSLV into geosynchronous transfer orbit | India’s heaviest and most powerful launch vehicle for larger payloads into GTO and beyond |
| Payload Capacity to LEO | Up to 500 kg | Up to 1,750 kg | Up to 2,500 kg | Up to 10,000 kg to LEO |
| Payload Capacity to GTO | Not designed for GTO missions | Up to 1,425 kg | Up to 2,000 kg | Up to 4,000 kg |
| Stages | 3 solid stages | 4 stages (alternating solid and liquid) | 3 stages (solid, liquid, and cryogenic) | 3 stages (2 solid strap-ons, 1 liquid, and 1 cryogenic) |
| Launch History | Introduced for cost-effective access to space for small payloads | PSLV has a long and successful launch history with numerous missions | GSLV has been crucial for launching the INSAT class of satellites but has seen many unsuccessful launches. | GSLV MK-III is designed for future manned missions and heavier satellite requirements. All launches to date have been successful. |
| Notable Features | Quick turnaround and lower costs | Versatile and reliable, with a high success rate | Intermediate lifting capacity with indigenous cryogenic upper-stage | Capable of carrying the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter, lander, and rover to the Moon |
| Development Status | Recently introduced, fewer flights | Fully operational with a robust track record | Operational, with ongoing improvements | Operational, designated for high-profile missions like Chandrayaan-2 and Gaganyaan |
