5 Stunning facts about NASA-ISRO’s NISAR Mission launch that will transform Earth observation

On 30 July, at 5:40 PM IST, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission blasted off from Sriharikota, India. This joint venture between the United States’ NASA and India’s ISRO marks a new chapter in Earth observation.

Launched aboard ISRO’s GSLV-F16 rocket, the satellite is now in a near-polar orbit, ready to map Earth’s surface every 12 days. The NISAR mission launch is a triumph of international collaboration, promising to reshape how we understand our planet’s ecosystems, hazards, and climate.

What NISAR Mission is

The NISAR mission is a £1.2 billion project to study Earth’s changing landscapes. It uses advanced radar to monitor forests, glaciers, and natural disasters like earthquakes.

Unlike traditional satellites, NISAR’s radar can see through clouds and work at night. This makes it a powerful tool for continuous data collection. The satellite, about the size of an SUV and weighing 2.8 tonnes, orbits at 743 km above Earth.

Cutting-edge radar technology explained

NISAR employs two radar systems: L-band from NASA and S-band from ISRO. These radars send radio waves to Earth and measure their reflections to create detailed images.

The L-band, with longer waves, can peer through thick forest canopies to study tree density. The S-band, using shorter waves, excels at mapping surface changes like soil moisture. Together, they offer a 242 km-wide view with a resolution sharp enough to spot changes as small as 1 cm.

This dual-frequency setup, called Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), mimics a large antenna by combining multiple signals. It’s like giving the satellite a giant eye to scan vast areas in fine detail.

Why NISAR Mission matters

The NISAR mission launch is a game-changer for science and society. It will track Earth’s forests to understand carbon storage, vital for climate models. In icy regions like Antarctica and the Himalayas, it will measure glacier movements, shedding light on sea level rise.

For disaster-prone areas, NISAR can detect tiny ground shifts, helping predict earthquakes or landslides.

India benefits too. ISRO plans to use NISAR data for agriculture, coastal monitoring and disaster response. From farmers to policymakers, the mission’s free data access ensures everyone can use its insights.

Historic US-India partnership

The NISAR mission, born from a 2014 agreement, showcases US-India teamwork. NASA supplied the L-band radar, communication systems and a 9-metre boom for the satellite’s 12 m reflector. ISRO contributed the S-band radar, spacecraft body, and the GSLV-F16 rocket.

Both agencies share satellite operations, with ISRO handling daily commands and NASA planning radar tasks.

This £1.2 billion project, with NASA footing £890 million, is the priciest Earth-imaging satellite ever. The launch strengthens ties between the two nations and sets a model for future space missions. 

5 Stunning facts about NISAR

1. Global mapping every 12 days: NISAR will scan Earth’s land and ice surfaces twice monthly, creating a detailed, ongoing record of changes.

2. All-weather vision: Its radar penetrates clouds, ensuring data collection in storms or darkness, unlike optical satellites.

3. Pinpoint accuracy: The satellite detects surface shifts as small as 1 cm, crucial for spotting early signs of natural disasters.

4. Free data for all: All NISAR data is publicly available, stored in the cloud for scientists, governments, and communities worldwide.

5. Long-term impact: Designed for three years, NISAR has fuel to operate up to five, extending its reach for climate and hazard research.

What’s next after NISAR Mission launch?

As of 31 July, NISAR is in its 743 km orbit, undergoing health checks. Engineers are testing its radar and subsystems to ensure they’re ready for action. Science operations will soon begin, delivering data to researchers globally. The mission’s three-year plan could extend to five, depending on the satellite’s performance.

The successful launch has sparked excitement. Live streams from NASA and ISRO captivated audiences, showcasing the rocket’s ascent from Sriharikota.

Global impact and open data

NISAR’s data will be a goldmine for science. From tracking deforestation to assessing flood risks, its open-access policy ensures broad use. Stored in the cloud, the data is easy to retrieve, empowering researchers in remote areas. This is in sync with NASA’s goal of making Earth science accessible and ISRO’s vision of using space for societal good.

The mission also boosts India’s space ambitions. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hailed it as a step toward India becoming a global space leader, reinforcing its role in international science.

New era for Earth observation

The NISAR mission launch on 30 July is a bold leap forward. With its unmatched radar tech and global data access, it promises to transform our understanding of Earth. From climate change to disaster preparedness, NISAR’s impact will ripple across borders. As the satellite begins its work, the US-India partnership behind it stands as a beacon of what collaboration can achieve.

For more, visit NASA’s NISAR webpage or ISRO’s website.