NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)

Why in News?

NISAR will be launched by Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

• NASA-ISRO SAR (NISAR) Mission – It is a unique Earth observation satellite, and the first satellite to observe the Earth with a dual frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
  • Dual frequency SAR — NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band.
• It is the first joint collaboration between NASA and ISRO.
• Aim – To deliver extensive environmental and geological data to scientists worldwide.
• Features
  • Launch Vehicle - GSLV-F16 rocket.
  • Orbit - Sun-synchronous orbit at a distance of 743km with an inclination of 98.40 degrees.
  • Payload capacity – 2,392 kg.
  • Antenna & reflector - NASA’s 12m unfurlable mesh reflector antenna, integrated to ISRO’s modified I3K satellite bus.
  • High-Resolution Imaging - It uses Sweep SAR (Swept Synthetic Aperture Radar) technology for the first time.
  • All-Weather, Day & Night Operation - NISAR's radar systems can penetrate clouds and light rain, enabling continuous data collection regardless of weather conditions or time of day.
• Goals
  • Monitoring ecosystem changes and measuring forest biomass.
  • Tracking earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic deformation.
  • Studying glacier retreat and polar ice movement.
  • Measuring soil moisture and detecting groundwater variations.
  • Generating 3D surface maps of land and ice with high precision twice every 12 days after launch.
• Significance
  • Disaster response - Rapid detection of earthquakes, floods, and landslides could help save lives and infrastructure.
  • Agriculture and water management - Accurate data on soil moisture and crop health can inform drought mitigation and boost food security.
  • Climate monitoring - Continuous tracking of forests, glaciers, and wetlands enhances climate resilience.
  • Technological advancement - Developing and operating dual-band radar technology strengthens ISRO’s future missions.
  • Global data access - All NISAR data will be freely available worldwide, enhancing India’s standing in global Earth science.

Reference

The Hindu| NISAR First joint Satellite of NASA and ISRO