ISRO to launch advanced weather satellite GSLV-F05 today: 10 things you should know

ISRO is all set to launch its advanced weather satellite INSAT-3DR on-board GSLV-F05 on Thursday. The countdown for its launch, which was cleared by the Mission Readiness Review committee and Launch Authorisation Board, commenced on Wednesday. The previous launch by ISRO on Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) was launch of GSLV-D6 carrying communication satellite GSAT-6 on August 27, 2015.

“GSLV-F05/INSAT 3DR mission is scheduled to be launched on September 8 at 1610 hours from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota”, Indian Space Research Organisation said on its website.

Know why the launch of advanced weather satellite INSAT-3DR is important>

Here is all you need to know about ISRO GSLV launch:

The ISRO GSLV will be launched from the second launch pad at the spaceport of Sriharikota, about 110 km from Chennai.

The ISRO GSLV is an advanced weather satellite that would provide a variety of “meteorological services to the country.”

GSLV-F05 is the flight in which the indigenously developed Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) will be carried on-board for the fourth time during a GSLV flight.

GSLV-F05 is significant since it is the first operational flight of GSLV carrying Cryogenic Upper Stage.

Earlier with similar configurations, GSLV flight successfully launched D5 and D6 missions in January 2014 and August 2015, putting GSAT-14 and GSAT-6 satellites in the intended GTOs ‘very accurately’.

After reaching the Geostationary Transfer Orbit, the 2,211kg satellite INSAT-3DR would use its own propulsion system to reach the final destination—geosynchronous orbital home. It is scheduled to be stationed at 74 degree east longitude, ISRO said.

After INSAT-3DR reaches the intended GTO, the solar panels of the satellite will be deployed immediately.

ISRO’s Master Control Facility at Hassan, Karnataka will take control of the satellite and perform the initial orbit raising manoeuvres and place it in circular Geostationary Orbit. The entire process is expected to take place in 17 minutes from the launch.

The previous advanced weather satellite INSAT-3D launch took place on July 26, 2013 from French Guiana.

Besides offering a host of services, INSAT-3DR would join the operational Search and Rescue service provided by INSAT-3D to various users, including Coast Guard, Airport Authority of India, Shipping and Defense Services. The designed mission life of INSAT-3DR is 10 years. 

(With PTI inputs)