Weather Satellites in India: A Comprehensive Overview

India, as a region with diverse climatic zones, relies heavily on meteorological data to ensure sustainable development and disaster management. This article delves into the weather satellites that India currently owns or has used, providing a comprehensive insight into the country's space weather monitoring capabilities.

The Current Satellites in Operation

INSAT 3D

Launched on September 12, 2013, INSAT 3D is one of the most advanced meteorological satellites owned by India. It is a geostationary satellite, located at the 93.5° East longitude, and operates in the C, S, K, and Ka bands. It provides spatial resolution of 1 km, which is crucial for tracking severe weather systems such as cyclones, lightning, and dust storms. INSAT 3D's primary functions include:

Real-time monitoring of weather patterns Forecasting of tropical cyclones and their tracks Assessment of rainfall, cloud, and surface temperature data over the Indian region Support for agricultural planning through weather data collection

SCATSAT 1

Launched on May 5, 2013, SCATSAT 1 is designed specifically for wind vector observations. It is the first satellite dedicated to wind vector measurements and operates in the L band and has a spatial resolution of 10 km. SCATSAT 1's main function is to measure ocean wind vectors, which are critical for port operations, fishing, and coastal hazard management. Additionally, it supports weather forecasting, marine operations, and disaster management.

Retrospective: Past Satellites

KALPANA-1

KALPANA-1, launched on July 8, 1999, was India's first meteorological satellite. It operated under the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and was a C-band imaging radiometer satellite. Despite its significance in the early stages of India's space weather monitoring, its operational lifespan was limited due to the untimely failure of its on-board computer. KALPANA-1, with its moderate spatial resolution of 16 km, provided crucial data on cloud water content and cloud top temperatures, helping in meteorological analyses and weather patterns prediction.

OCEANSAT-2

OCEANSAT-2, launched on September 3, 2009, is another notable satellite in India's operational meteorological satellites fleet. It contributed significantly to ocean meteorology and environmental studies. It operated in the C and S bands, providing spatial resolutions of up to 7 km. OCEANSAT-2 was equipped with instruments to measure wind speed and direction over the oceans, sea surface temperature, which are essential parameters for understanding marine weather systems and oceanographic studies. Its missions also included forecasting cyclones and monitoring sea level changes, contributing to enhanced disaster management strategies.

Collaborative Efforts and Future Prospects

In addition to its own satellites, India has also engaged in joint ventures to enhance its meteorological capabilities. One such collaboration is with the French Institute for Environmental and Marine Research (Ifremer), leading to the launch of MEGHATROPICS, a remote-sensing satellite in 2023. MEGHATROPICS operates in the C, X, and L bands and has initiated various novel missions critical for weather monitoring in the tropics, including tracking the impact of climate change on tropical weather patterns and oceanography. This collaboration underscores India's commitment to global research and its efforts to enhance its national weather forecasting prowess through international partnerships.

Conclusion

India's meteorological satellites have played a crucial role in enhancing weather monitoring capabilities, contributing significantly to disaster management, agriculture, and marine operations. From the advanced INSAT 3D to the specialized SCATSAT 1, these satellites have not only bolstered India's space weather monitoring infrastructure but have also fostered international collaboration. As India continues to develop its space technology, the nation's weather satellite capabilities are poised to evolve, further solidifying its position as a leader in meteorological and environmental studies.