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GSLV to launch the latest weather satellite

Context

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch its weather satellite INSAT-3DS aboard the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV) F14, affectionately nicknamed the “naughty boy” for its spotty record.

The GSLV-F14 Rocket Stages

First Stage (GS1)

The first stage of the GSLV is the most powerful and plays a crucial role in lifting the rocket off the ground.
It utilizes a solid rocket motor known as the S139.
Additionally, it incorporates four liquid engine strap-on boosters.
Maximum Thrust: Approximately 4700 kilo Newton.

2. Second Stage (GS2)

The second stage is a liquid rocket stage equipped with the Vikas engine.
The Vikas engine runs on UH25 (unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine) as fuel and N2O4 (nitrogen tetroxide) as the oxidizer.
Maximum Thrust: Approximately 800 kilo Newton.

3. Third Stage (Cryogenic Upper Stage – CUS)

The third stage is the Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS).
It employs a cryogenic engine that relies on:

Liquefied oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer.
Liquid hydrogen (LH2) as the fuel.

The use of cryogenic fuels in the CUS allows the GSLV to achieve higher performance and carry heavier payloads to geosynchronous orbits.
Maximum Thrust: Approximately 75 kilo Newton (for the CE-7.5 cryogenic engine).

GSLV Records

Mission Count: This will be the GSLV’s 16th mission overall and its 10th flight using the indigenously developed cryogenic engine.
Challenging Reputation: The GSLV has earned its playful moniker due to its spotty track record. While it has successfully launched several payloads, it has also faced its share of challenges.
Upcoming Mission: Later this year, the GSLV is slated to carry the Earth observation satellite NISAR, a joint venture between NASA and ISRO.

INSAT-3DS: The Meteorological Satellite

Specifications: INSAT-3DS weighs 2,274 kg and boasts a mission life of 10 years. It will take over the functions of its predecessors, INSAT-3D (launched in 2013) and INSAT-3DR (launched in September 2016), which have reached the end of their operational lives.

Funding: The satellite has been fully funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

Orbit: Approximately 18 minutes after launch, INSAT-3DS will be injected into a 36,647 km x 170 km elliptical orbit.

Advanced Weather Observations: Once operational, INSAT-3DS will provide advanced weather observations for both land and ocean surfaces. Its capabilities include short-range forecasts for extreme weather events, visibility estimation for aviation, and monitoring forest fires, smoke, snow cover, and climate changes.

NISAR: Tracking Earth from Space

Dual Radar Frequencies:

NISAR will be the first radar of its kind in space.
It employs two different radar frequencies: L-band and S-band.
These frequencies allow NISAR to systematically map Earth’s surface, capturing changes as small as centimeters.

Earth’s Changing Ecosystems:

NISAR will monitor biomass, providing insights into forest health and vegetation dynamics.
It will track deforestation, helping us understand the impact on biodiversity and climate change.
The mission’s data will aid in managing natural resources and ecosystems.

Dynamic Surfaces and Ice Masses:

NISAR will study glaciers and ice sheets, revealing their changes over time.
It will provide critical information on sea level rise, a pressing concern due to global warming.
The radar system will also detect natural hazards, such as earthquakes and landslides.

Global Environmental Change:

By observing Earth’s surface and interior, NISAR will contribute to our understanding of climate change.
It will help scientists track shifts in land cover, soil moisture, and water resources.
NISAR’s data will be invaluable for policy decisions and environmental management.