The countdown for the launch of INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite onboard a GSLV has commenced, Isro said on Friday. The lift-off for the GSLV-F14 in its 16th mission is scheduled at 5.35 pm on Saturday from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The INSAT-3DS satellite is a follow-on mission of the third generation meteorological satellite to be placed in a geostationary orbit, and it is fully funded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. “GSLV-F14/INSAT-3DS Mission: 27.5 hours countdown leading to the launch on February 17, 2024 at 17.35 hrs has commenced” Isro said. This is the second mission for the Bengaluru headquartered space agency in 2024 after the successful launch of PSLV-C58/EXPOSAT mission on January 1.