Bangalore: India's first exclusive meteorological satellite, METSAT, on September 24 reached its space home at 74 degree East longitude at 36,000 KM altitude achieving its intended geo-stationary orbit.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) sources told that with METSAT reaching its space home, the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) will directly receive images and weather data.

IMD will carry out specific calibrations and checks for a week before the satellite being declared operational on October 1.

The meteorological data will now be directly received by IMD at its meteorology data utilisation centre (MDUC) in New Delhi.

The satellite, which was in a drift orbit from 24 degrees East longitude, finally reached its space home, thus successfully completing the ISRO's side of the mission.

METSAT was launched on September 12 on board modified PSLV from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota.

PTI