Here's what you need to know about ISRO's new launch - the INSAT-3DR

The countdown for the launch of Indian Space Research Organisation’s advanced weather satellite INSAT-3DR on-board GSLV-F05 has started at Sriharikota. It will be launched on Thursday at 4.10 pm.

Here are some things you must know about this significant launch and why this satellite is a big deal for India.

GSLV-F05 is significant since it is the first operational flight of GSLV carrying Cryogenic Upper Stage

The rocket is almost 49 metre high and weighs 415 tonnes

The INSAT-3DR satellite is an improvement of its predecessor -- INSAT-3D. The new satellite possesses an atmospheric sounding system which allows it to map vertical changes of humidity, temperature and ozone content in Earth’s atmosphere

The INSAT-3DR will provide a variety of meteorological services to the country

The 3DR will also include a search-and-rescue transponder, used to pinpoint the location of distressed vessels at sea

The 3DR will last till around 2024

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