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Context:
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, the first joint Earth observation mission between the United States and India, is set to be launched on July 30, 2025, at 5:40 p.m. IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, aboard GSLV-F16.
Key Features of the NISAR Satellite
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Dual-Frequency SAR | First satellite to operate using both L-band (NASA) and S-band (ISRO) Synthetic Aperture Radar |
| 12-metre Unfurlable Antenna | Mesh reflector for high-precision Earth imaging |
| SweepSAR Technology | Offers wide swath coverage of 242 km with 12-day revisit cycles |
| High Spatial Resolution | Detects changes < 1 cm, crucial for fault lines, glacier motion, and landslides |
| Global Coverage | Enables day-night, all-weather, near real-time Earth surface observation |
Objectives of NISAR
- Monitor land surface deformation, glacier movement, and ecosystem dynamics
- Study cryosphere changes, soil moisture, agricultural and coastal processes
- Provide data to aid in:
- Disaster response (e.g. earthquakes, landslides, floods)
- Resource mapping
- Climate change impact assessments
India’s Contribution to NISAR
| Component | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| S-band radar system | Developed by ISRO |
| Satellite Bus | Modified I-3K bus architecture by ISRO |
| Launch Vehicle | Will be launched aboard GSLV-F16 |
| Ground Operations | Managed by ISRO’s ground segment infrastructure |
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Significance
- Reinforces Indo-US space collaboration
- Enhances India’s remote sensing and disaster preparedness
- Boosts research in tectonics, cryosphere, and agriculture
