NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) Satellite
- Context (TH): ISRO launched the NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite using the GSLV-F16 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
- Polar Orbit: GSLV conducted its first satellite launch into sun-synchronous polar orbit (SSPO).
- Cryogenic Precision: The mission showcased the CE20 cryogenic stage’s accuracy for orbital injection.
- NASA Launch: ISRO commercially launched a fully NASA-owned satellite for the first time.
About NISAR Satellite
- Mission Life: Designed for minimum 3 years mission life for Earth-Observation (Radar Imaging).
- Orbital Details: NISAR to orbit Earth at 747km altitude in Sun-Synchronous (Low Earth) Orbit with a repeat cycle of 12 days.
- Technology: World’s first Radar Imaging Satellite to operate on dual frequencies (S and L bands).
- Cost: Considered to be one of the expensive satellite missions ever undertaken at $1.5B.
- Weight: NISAR to have a launch mass of 2800kg.
Radar Technology
- NISAR to have finest Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) Technology ever designed. It is designed with a massive 12-meter Antenna for receiving signals.
- Sweep SAR technology provides for wide swath high-resolution images in 3D covering a 242km width.
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L-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar
- Developed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
- With a wavelength of ~24cm, it is designed to penetrate Vegetation and surface materials.
- Provides high-resolution imagery for studying solid Earth processes, ice sheet dynamics, and biomass changes.
S-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar
- Developed by the ISRO.
- With a wavelength of ~10cm, it is optimised for studying surface deformation.
- Provides high-resolution imagery for monitoring natural hazards, such as earthquakes, volcanic activity, and landslides.
Key Applications of NISAR
- Surface Monitoring: Detects minute ground shifts for tectonic and structural analysis.
- All-Weather Imaging: Provides consistent data despite clouds or darkness.
- Disaster Mapping: Assesses earthquakes, floods, landslides, and volcanoes.
- Cryosphere Studies: Monitors glaciers and ice sheets for sea-level projections.
- Agro-Ecosystem Monitoring: Tracks biomass, deforestation, crop health, and soil moisture.
Significance of the Launch
- Revenue Gain: The commercial contract generated significant revenue for ISRO.
- Strategic Partnership: The joint mission deepens India-U.S. trust in complex space collaboration.
- Tech Sovereignty: Launch proved indigenous cryogenic strength for independent satellite launches.
- Global Reputation: The mission elevated India’s profile in precision foreign satellite launches.
