New Isro satellites to help IMD forecasts

These new satellites will replace IMD's two third-generation INSAT satellites by 2028-29 and at a cost of ₹1,800 cr

- Vijay C. Roy

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) plans to ask the Indian Space Research Organisation (Isro) to build and launch two fourth-generation INSAT series satellites, helping improve the accuracy of its weather forecasting.

These new satellites will replace IMD's two third-generation INSAT satellites by 2028-29 at a cost of ₹1,800 crore. The cost of the satellites will be borne by the ministry of earth sciences, said IMD director general Mrutyunjay Mohapatra in an interview.

The upgraded satellites will give a better resolution of images and be equipped with state-of-the-art sensors for lightning forecasting, said Mohapatra.

As many as 162 people were killed by lightning strikes in March and April.