NISAR Satellite Launch Puts Earth Observation on Global Radar with Advanced Radar Systems

The upcoming NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission represents a landmark collaboration between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). Designed to provide unprecedented three-dimensional views of the Earth, the satellite will lift off from ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. The mission is poised for launch no earlier than late July.

The NISAR satellite is equipped with two radar systems: NASA's L-band radar and ISRO's S-band radar. Employing advanced synthetic aperture radar technology, NISAR will systematically scan almost the entire Earth's land and ice-covered surfaces twice every 12 days. This will capture changes down to the centimeter, allowing for detailed observation of natural processes and hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, land subsidence, and landslides.

Driven by its significant cloud-penetrating capabilities, NISAR's radar system will support rapid response to weather disasters, including hurricanes, storm surges, and floods. By delivering comprehensive maps, the mission provides critical insights on both gradual and abrupt alterations in terrestrial and ice-covered environments. This high-resolution monitoring aims to enhance our understanding of dynamic surface motions and shifting ecosystems.

The mission is a joint venture led by several supporting institutions on both sides. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) takes charge of the U.S. component, providing the L-band SAR system, radar reflector antenna, deployable boom, high-rate data communication systems, GPS receivers, solid-state recorders, and payload data subsystems. Additionally, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center oversees the Near Space Network, which will relay the L-band data.

On the Indian side, numerous ISRO centers have contributed significantly. The Space Applications Centre delivers the S-band SAR, while the U R Rao Satellite Centre has developed the spacecraft bus. The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre provides the rockets, with launch services facilitated through the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Furthermore, satellite mission operations are managed by the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network, while the National Remote Sensing Centre is designated to handle S-band data reception and dissemination.

The launch and functioning of the NISAR satellite are expected to bolster scientific research while offering practical applications. The data generated will be accessible for diverse uses, allowing governments, researchers, and planners to benefit from timely information concerning water resources, infrastructure stability, sea levels, and emergency preparedness.

Beyond its scientific goals, NISAR seeks to engage a broad community of end-users, offering workshops and working groups to facilitate the incorporation of its data into decision-making processes. This engagement highlights the broader societal benefits of Earth observation, encouraging informed planning and action based on reliable, updated data.

NASA will present a comprehensive preview of the NISAR mission's scientific and technological dimensions during an upcoming live-streamed press briefing. Key NASA officials and scientists will participate as presenters, with a session to include live interaction via social media platforms. Interested viewers can join discussions using designated hashtags.

Managed by Caltech for NASA, NISAR stands as a transformative venture in Earth observation and monitoring — significantly reflecting international cooperation in space technology and its applications for sustainability and disaster management on a global scale.