The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is set to launch its meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS aboard the GSLV F14 spacecraft today, aiming to revolutionize weather forecasts and disaster warnings.

Scheduled for launch on February 17 at 5:35 pm from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, this mission marks the 16th space endeavor for the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). Funded entirely by the Ministry of Earth Sciences, it represents a significant stride in India's space exploration.

INSAT-3DS holds immense importance for India's space endeavors, as it promises highly precise weather forecasting capabilities, particularly through its ocean surface studies, aiding in disaster management.

However, the carrier of INSAT-3DS, GSLV F14, has earned the moniker "naughty boy" within ISRO circles due to its history of technical hiccups. Despite its extensive experience, GSLV F14 has encountered challenges, with a failure rate of 40% across its 15 missions, experiencing issues in six of them.

While the last mission in May 2023 was successful, preceding attempts have faced setbacks. Nonetheless, ISRO remains committed to leveraging GSLV F14 for today's mission, underscoring its determination to overcome challenges and achieve its objectives.

The INSAT-3DS mission aims to build on the capabilities of its predecessors, INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR, launched in 2013 and 2016, respectively. It will enhance meteorological observations, monitor land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster management, and provide Satellite-aided Research and Rescue services (SAR), among other functions.

As ISRO prepares for this significant launch, the eyes of the scientific community and weather agencies are on INSAT-3DS, anticipating its potential to transform weather forecasting and disaster preparedness in India and beyond.