NISAR Satellite

Everyday Science(MPPCS) Science & Technology

22-Jul-25

NISAR Satellite

Context

The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite is scheduled for launch on July 30, 2025, from Sriharikota aboard GSLV-F16. This Indo-U.S. collaboration marks a significant advancement in Earth observation and bilateral space cooperation.

What is NISAR?

NISAR is the world’s first dual-frequency radar imaging satellite, developed jointly by NASA and ISRO, designed to monitor Earth’s surface with unprecedented precision using L-band (NASA) and S-band (ISRO) Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems.

Institutions Involved

NASA (Jet Propulsion Laboratory):
- L-band radar system
- GPS receivers and communication subsystems
- Payload data subsystem
ISRO:
- S-band radar system
- Satellite bus (modified I3K platform)
- Launch vehicle (GSLV-F16)
- Launch and ground support operations

Objectives of NISAR

Monitor land surface deformation, including earthquakes and landslides
Track glacial movement and cryosphere changes
Study agriculture, soil moisture, coastal processes, and ecosystem dynamics
Enhance disaster response, natural resource mapping, and climate change assessments

Key Features

Feature	Details
Dual-Frequency SAR	Combines L-band (penetrates dense forest, soil) and S-band (surface detail)
Unfurlable Antenna	12-meter diameter mesh reflector for wide-area imaging
SweepSAR Technology	Captures a swath of 242 km with revisit time of 12 days
High Spatial Resolution	Detects surface changes as small as <1 cm
All-Weather, Global Coverage	Operates day and night, in any weather condition

India’s Contributions

S-band SAR payload
Modified I3K satellite bus
Launch via GSLV-F16
Ground station and mission operations

Significance of NISAR

First-of-its-kind Earth observation mission using dual SAR frequencies
Enhances India–US space cooperation under the 2014 MoU
Provides critical data for:
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Environmental monitoring
- Disaster resilience planning
Promotes space diplomacy and India's role as a major partner in global Earth science initiatives

Conclusion

NISAR is a landmark in international scientific collaboration, blending advanced radar technology with a focus on real-world challenges—such as climate change, natural disasters, and environmental sustainability. Its success will not only deepen Indo-U.S. strategic ties in space but also provide critical data for policymaking, disaster management, and ecological conservation worldwide.

Source: The Hindu (TH)