Daily Current Affairs : 21-February-2024

Recently, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone by successfully launching the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS satellite from Srihari Kota. This launch is part of India’s efforts to enhance its meteorological services and improve weather forecasting capabilities.

About GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS Satellite

The GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS satellite is an essential device for tracking weather conditions. Here are some key details about this satellite:

Launch Vehicle
  • Stages: It is a 3-stage launch vehicle.
  • Components:
    • GS1: Solid propellant motor and four earth-storable propellant stages (EPS).
    • GS2: Uses earth-storable propellant.
    • GS3: A cryogenic stage powered by Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Liquid Hydrogen (LH2).
Flight Details
  • Flight Number: This was the 16th flight of the GSLV and the 10th flight using an indigenous cryogenic stage.

Payloads of INSAT-3DS

The satellite carries several essential payloads that serve different functions:

  • Imager: A multi-spectral imager that captures Earth images in six wavelength bands.
  • Sounder: A 19-channel sounder that provides data on atmospheric vertical profiles.
  • Data Relay Transponder (DRT): This component receives and relays meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic data.
  • Satellite Aided Search and Rescue (SA&SR) Transponder: It relays distress signals, aiding global search and rescue efforts in the UHF band.

Objectives and Benefits

The primary goal of the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS satellite is to enhance meteorological observations and improve weather forecasting and disaster warning capabilities. This initiative is funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

Key Benefits
  • Improved Weather Forecasts: Enhanced capabilities will lead to more accurate weather predictions.
  • Better Disaster Management: Timely alerts can help communities prepare for natural disasters.
  • Enhanced Data Collection: The satellite will collect valuable data for various applications.
  • Search and Rescue Services: The satellite-aided search and rescue services will significantly improve emergency response efforts.

Important Points:

  • Launch Success: ISRO successfully launched the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS satellite from Srihari Kota.
  • Purpose: The launch aims to enhance India’s meteorological services and improve weather forecasting.

About the Satellite

  • Type: GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS is a key device for weather tracking.
  • Launch Vehicle:
    • 3-stage launch vehicle.
    • Components:
      • GS1: Solid propellant motor and four earth-storable propellant stages (EPS).
      • GS2: Earth-storable propellant.
      • GS3: Cryogenic stage using Liquid Oxygen (LOX) and Liquid Hydrogen (LH2).

Flight Details

  • Flight Number: 16th flight of GSLV; 10th flight with indigenous cryogenic stage.

Payloads of INSAT-3DS

  • Imager: Captures Earth images in six wavelength bands.
  • Sounder: Provides atmospheric vertical profile data with 19 channels.
  • Data Relay Transponder (DRT): Relays meteorological, hydrological, and oceanographic data.
  • SA&SR Transponder: Aids global search and rescue by relaying distress signals.

Objectives and Benefits

  • Goal: Enhance meteorological observations and improve weather forecasting and disaster warning.
  • Funding: Supported by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).

Key Benefits

  • Improved Weather Forecasts: More accurate predictions.
  • Better Disaster Management: Timely alerts for natural disasters.
  • Enhanced Data Collection: Valuable data for various applications.
  • Search and Rescue Services: Improved emergency response capabilities.

Why In News

Recently, ISRO successfully launched the MoES-funded GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS satellite from Srihari Kota, significantly enhancing India’s meteorological services and paving the way for improved weather forecasting and disaster management capabilities across the nation.

MCQs about GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS Satellite

  1. What is the primary purpose of the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS satellite?
    A. To improve communication systems
    B. To enhance meteorological services
    C. To conduct scientific research on Mars
    D. To facilitate GPS navigation
    Correct Answer: B. To enhance meteorological services
    Explanation: The GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS satellite is specifically designed to enhance India’s meteorological services and improve weather forecasting capabilities.
  2. What type of launch vehicle is used for the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS satellite?
    A. Single-stage launch vehicle
    B. 3-stage launch vehicle
    C. 2-stage launch vehicle
    D. Multi-stage rocket
    Correct Answer: B. 3-stage launch vehicle
    Explanation: The GSLV-F14 is a 3-stage launch vehicle, which includes various components designed for different stages of the launch.
  3. Which of the following payloads is NOT part of the INSAT-3DS satellite?
    A. Multi-spectral Imager
    B. Atmospheric Sounder
    C. Data Relay Transponder
    D. Solar Panel Optimizer
    Correct Answer: D. Solar Panel Optimizer
    Explanation: The INSAT-3DS satellite includes a multi-spectral imager, atmospheric sounder, and data relay transponder, but it does not include a solar panel optimizer.
  4. Who funded the GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS satellite project?
    A. Ministry of Science and Technology
    B. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
    C. Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
    D. Department of Space
    Correct Answer: C. Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
    Explanation: The GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS satellite project is funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), which aims to improve meteorological services.

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