India marked a significant advancement in its space and climate ambitions on Wednesday with the successful launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite. The 2,393-kilogram satellite lifted off at 5:40 PM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, aboard ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
The mission, a $1.5 billion collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the United States’ National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), is set to transform global climate monitoring and disaster response.
Cutting-Edge Earth Observation Technology
NISAR is the world’s first Earth-mapping satellite to use dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar technology. It combines NASA’s L-band radar and ISRO’s S-band radar to detect even the faintest shifts on Earth’s surface—beneath vegetation, clouds, or in total darkness. The satellite can register movements as small as a few millimetres.
Unlike conventional radar, which uses microwaves to detect distant surfaces, synthetic aperture radar captures multiple high-resolution measurements as it moves, producing detailed images of land and ice surfaces. NISAR is designed to orbit the Earth every 97 minutes and will complete a full imaging cycle every 12 days.
Strengthening India’s Climate Resilience
The mission holds immense value for India, a country often vulnerable to the effects of climate change and natural disasters. NISAR’s data will be made freely available and near real-time, allowing Indian scientists, disaster managers, and policymakers to closely monitor glacier shifts in the Himalayas, detect tectonic activity, track agricultural cycles, and manage water resources with greater precision.
Its capabilities are expected to improve forecasting and emergency response to events such as floods, droughts, and landslides, enabling more timely and informed policy decisions.
A Decade-Long Collaboration
NISAR represents nearly ten years of joint effort between ISRO and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The S-band radar system was developed by ISRO, while NASA built the L-band radar. These systems were integrated into a single payload structure—known as the Integrated Radar Instrument Structure (IRIS)—which was assembled and tested at NASA’s JPL before being handed over to ISRO.
The final integration and testing of the satellite were completed at ISRO’s U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru, further reinforcing India’s role in this globally significant mission.
Phases Ahead: From Deployment to Science Operations
Following the successful launch, the mission will move through four main phases: Deployment, Commissioning, and Science Operations, following the completed Launch phase. During deployment, a 12-meter diameter radar reflector will be extended 9 meters from the satellite via a precision deployable boom engineered by NASA.
The commissioning phase will last 90 days, during which system checks and calibrations will be conducted. Once operational, the satellite will enter its Science Operations phase, which includes ongoing orbit maneuvers, calibration activities, and coordinated observations using both radar bands. These operations will be managed jointly by ISRO and NASA.
A Global Step Forward
The NISAR mission marks a major leap for India’s role in global environmental monitoring. It underscores the power of international collaboration in addressing complex challenges like climate change. With this satellite, India not only strengthens its own climate resilience but also contributes to a more informed and prepared global community.
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Source: India Today
