INSAT-3DS Payloads: Generating Over 40 Geophysical Data Products Crucial for Weather Forecasting and Climate Monitoring.

INSAT-3DS Imager first-image (false colour composite) Red (Visible), Green (Short Wave Infrared), Blue (Mid Infrared) March 7, 2024, 05:50 UT

INSAT-3DS Imager first-image (false colour composite) Red (Visible), Green (Visible), Blue (Thermal Infrared) March 7, 2024, 05:50 UT

INSAT-3DS 6-Channel Imager first image March 7, 2024, 05:50 UT

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INSAT-3DS 19-Channel Sounder first image March 7, 2024, 05:50 UT

INSAT-3DS, the meteorological satellite, has recently commenced its Earth imaging operations, marking a significant milestone in its mission. Launched on February 17, 2024, it swiftly completed orbit-raising maneuvers and positioned itself in the designated geostationary slot by February 28, 2024, facilitating the initiation of In Orbit Testing (IOT). Between February 29 and March 3, 2024, thorough Satellite Communications IOT was conducted, ensuring seamless functionality. Subsequently, on March 7, 2024, the inaugural session of imaging took place, showcasing the capabilities of the 6-channel Imager and 19-channel Sounder payloads. These crucial tests have confirmed that all payload parameters align with specifications, validating the readiness of INSAT-3DS to fulfill its meteorological objectives with optimal performance.

The Imager and Sounder payloads aboard INSAT-3DS inherit their design from their predecessors, 3D and 3DR, while incorporating significant enhancements in various aspects such as radiometric accuracy, black body calibration, thermal management, and imaging throughput. Developed at the Space Applications Centre (SAC) in Ahmedabad, these payloads represent the pinnacle of technological advancement in Earth observation. The first images captured by these payloads are processed and disseminated from the Master Control Facility located in Hasan. The 6-channel Imager equipment plays a pivotal role in capturing images of the Earth’s surface and atmosphere across multiple spectral channels or wavelengths.

This multifaceted approach enables the extraction of valuable information regarding diverse atmospheric and surface phenomena, including clouds, aerosols, land surface temperature, vegetation health, and water vapor distribution. Furthermore, the Imager can be tailored to target specific features of interest, enhancing its versatility in addressing various scientific inquiries. Meanwhile, the 19-channel Sounder payload is instrumental in capturing radiation emitted by the Earth’s atmosphere, employing meticulously chosen channels to detect radiation emitted by different atmospheric constituents and properties such as water vapor, ozone, carbon dioxide, and other gases.

Additionally, some channels are dedicated to measuring temperature variations across different layers of the atmosphere, enabling comprehensive atmospheric profiling and enhancing our understanding of atmospheric dynamics and processes.

The Imager and Sounder payloads aboard INSAT-3DS are instrumental in generating an extensive array of geophysical data products, totaling over 40 in number. These products encompass critical parameters such as Sea Surface Temperature, Rainfall (precipitation) Products, Land Surface Temperature, Fog Intensity, Outgoing Longwave Radiation, Atmospheric Motion Vectors, High-Resolution Winds, Upper Tropospheric Humidity, Cloud Properties, Smoke, Fire, Mean Surface Pressure, Temperature Profiles, Water Vapor Profiles, Surface Skin Temperature, Total Ozone, among others.

The wealth of data collected by these payloads provides invaluable insights into the vertical structure of the atmosphere, essential for enhancing weather forecasting accuracy, monitoring climate trends, and advancing our understanding of various atmospheric processes. By catering to the diverse needs of the user community, these data products facilitate informed decision-making across a wide range of applications, spanning meteorology, climate research, environmental monitoring, and beyond.