NISAR satellite Launch
Context
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The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite is scheduled for launch at 5:40 p.m. on Wednesday from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
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The satellite has been mounted on the GSLV-F16 (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle), and all systems have been checked by ISRO.
Satellite Specifications
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Weight: 2,392 kg
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Orbit: 743-km sun-synchronous orbit – ensures consistent Earth observation under similar lighting conditions.
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Liftoff Site: Second Launch Pad, Sriharikota.
Key Technology – Dual-Frequency SAR
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First satellite to use dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR):
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L-band SAR (NASA)
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S-band SAR (ISRO)
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Uses NASA’s 12-metre unfurlable mesh reflector antenna, mounted on ISRO’s modified I3K bus.
Mission Capabilities & Applications
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Global Earth Monitoring:
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All-weather, day-and-night coverage with 242 km swath width.
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12-day revisit cycle for time-series analysis.
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Key Applications:
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Ground deformation tracking – earthquakes, landslides.
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Ice sheet movement monitoring – climate change studies.
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Vegetation & forest dynamics – biodiversity assessment, carbon stock analysis.
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Soil moisture variation – agriculture & drought monitoring.
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Surface water resource mapping – irrigation & watershed management.
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Sea ice classification & ship detection – maritime security.
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Disaster response & storm analysis – rapid damage assessment.
Mission Phases
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Launch Phase:
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Injection into orbit by GSLV-F16.
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Deployment Phase:
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Unfolding of the 12-metre antenna using a 9-metre deployable boom.
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Commissioning Phase (90 days):
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Initial spacecraft checks.
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Payload and radar calibration.
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Science Phase (5 years):
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Active radar scanning.
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Orbit maintenance with minimal observation disruption.
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Conclusion
NISAR is a landmark Indo-U.S. collaboration, combining NASA’s radar expertise with ISRO’s launch capability. With high-resolution dual-band SAR and wide coverage, it will enhance Earth observation for climate monitoring, disaster management, and resource mapping. Its data-driven insights will be crucial for addressing climate change, natural hazards, and sustainable development goals (SDGs).
