India’s space agency, ISRO, has successfully started using its new INSAT-3DS weather satellite to image Earth. The satellite’s imaging equipment called the 6-channel imager and 19-channel sounder, captured its first set of images on March 7th.
Launched in February, INSAT-3DS underwent testing to ensure all its systems were functioning properly. This included checking its communication systems and the performance of its imaging payloads.
The imager takes pictures of Earth in various colours (wavelengths) to gather data on weather, climate, and the environment. It can be adjusted to focus on specific features like clouds, vegetation, or water vapour.
The sounder, on the other hand, measures radiation emitted from Earth’s atmosphere. By analyzing these emissions, scientists can learn about the amounts of different gases like water vapour, ozone, and carbon dioxide present at various altitudes.
This data is then used to generate over 40 different environmental products, including sea surface temperature, rainfall estimates, and wind speeds. This information is vital for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and understanding atmospheric processes.
ISRO says the improved accuracy and capabilities of INSAT-3DS’s instruments will provide valuable insights into Earth’s atmospheric conditions.
