The 29-hour countdown for the launch of ISRO’s advanced weather satellite INSAT-3DR on-board vehicle GSLV-F05 commenced at 11:10 hours on Wednesday, the space agency said.
“The 29 hr countdown operation of GSLV-F05/INSAT-3DR Mission has started at 11.10 hrs on September 7,” ISRO said.
The advanced weather satellite will be launched on Thursday from Sriharikota.
The GSLV-F05 vehicle used for the launch will be fitted with a Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) engine. This is the first time a CUS is being used in an operational flight.
Earlier, the GSLV had successfully launched D5 and D6 missions in January 2014 and August 2015, putting GSAT-14 and GSAT-6 satellites in the intended orbits ‘very accurately’.
After reaching the Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), 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.
The solar panels of the satellite will be deployed immediately after it reaches the GTO.
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.
{{/usCountry}}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.
{{/usCountry}}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.