Cyclone Vardah unleashed its fury

Insat 3DR and ScatSat-1

launched on September 8

launched by the fourstage Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) on September 26

no major damage

MUMBAI: Two ISRO satellites played a key role in saving a large number of lives mainly in Tamil Nadu whenon Monday.An ISRO official told TOI that data from the two satellites ­—­ — helped predict the cyclone's movement, enabling authorities to alert the public.On account of the data provided by Insat-3DR and ScatSat-1, more than 10,000 people were rescued in Chennai, Thiravallur and Kancheepuram districts."There could be more along the coast of Andhra Pradesh," he said.Rescue operations were executed by the National Disaster Response Force.Insat-3DR is an advanced meteorological satellite configured with an imaging system and an atmospheric sounder. It wasby the three-stage Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).ScatSat-1,, provides wind vector data products for weather forecasting and cyclone tracking.Though the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota experienced strong winds and heavy rains, there wasto any of the facilities. ISRO officials said this was due to precautions taken by spaceport officials.