India launches weather satellite INSAT-3DS

The Indian Space Research Organization on Saturday launched new weather satellite INSAT-3DS into orbit, officials said. The meteorological satellite took off in the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The vehicle has successfully placed the satellite into the intended geosynchronous transfer orbit.

The satellite is designed for enhanced meteorological observations, and monitoring of land and ocean surfaces for weather forecasting and disaster warning. The satellite weighing 2,274 kg would serve various departments under the federal ministry of earth sciences including the India Meteorological Department.