Indian Space Research Organisation has set in motion preparations for launch of Megha-Tropiques, an advanced weather and climate research satellite, on board PSLV from Sriharikota spaceport next month-end.

"Preparations are underway for launch of the satellite in September end", sources in the Bangalore-headquartered space agency told PTI today.

ISRO and French National Space Centre (CNES) signed a Memorandum of Understanding for development and implementation of the joint atmospheric satellite mission nearly seven years ago.

Sources said top CNES officials are slated to witness the launch by PSLV, ISRO's work-horse launch vehicle.

Megha-Tropiques (Megha meaning cloud in Sanskrit and Tropiques meaning tropics in French) is meant for investigating the contribution of the water cycle in the tropical atmosphere to climate dynamics.

The satellite would carry four scientific instruments, including a Microwave Analysis and Detection of Rain and Atmospheric Structures (MADRAS) radiometer developed jointly by ISRO and CNES to provide information on rain above the oceans and integrated water vapour content in the atmosphere.