INSAT-3DS

INSAT-3DS is an Indian geostationary meteorological satellite developed and operated by ISRO, launched on 17 February 2024 by GSLV-F14. The satellite is positioned at 82 degrees East longitude in geostationary orbit at 35,786 km altitude, serving the Indian Ocean region and Indian subcontinent with operational meteorological services. A planned decommission date of 2034 is assigned.^[1][2]

The payload comprises a six-channel imager and a 19-channel sounder, continuing the INSAT-3D/3DR series design. The imager supports atmospheric motion vector derivation, sea surface temperature retrieval, and broadband radiometry. The sounder performs atmospheric temperature and humidity profiling through limb-nadir sounding. ISRO confirmed imaging operations commenced following launch. Application domains include weather nowcasting, atmospheric profiling, sea surface temperature monitoring, Earth radiation budget, and atmospheric wind monitoring.^[3][4]