India-US Remote Sensing Satellite NISAR Closer To Launch
India and the United States are on the verge of launching the NASA-ISRO
Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, a significant joint project aimed
at enhancing Earth observation capabilities. The launch is scheduled for early
2025, with preparations currently underway.
The NISAR satellite is expected to be launched in the first quarter of 2025.
This timeline was confirmed by Indian Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh during
a recent meeting with NASA Administrator Bill Nelson in New Delhi.
NISAR will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of 747 km,
utilizing both L-band and S-band synthetic aperture radar systems. This
dual-band capability will allow for comprehensive monitoring of Earth's
surface changes, including ecosystems, ice mass, and natural disasters like
earthquakes and tsunamis.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Orbit Altitude | 747 km |
Orbit Inclination | 98.4° |
Repeat Cycle | 12 days |
Time of Nodal Crossing | 6 AM/ 6 PM |
Orbit Control | < 500 m |
Pointing Control | < 273 arcsec |
Pointing | Left (south) |
US Duty Cycle | > 500/10% |
Baseline Mission Duration | 3 years |
Consumables | 5 years |
Data and Product Access | Free 8, open |
Wavelength | Lband: 24 cm, S-band: 9 cm |
SAR Resolution | 3-10 m mode-dependent |
A crucial component of NISAR, the radar antenna reflector, is being
transported from the United States to India aboard a NASA C-130 Hercules
aircraft. This journey began on October 15, 2024, and includes multiple stops
across the Pacific before reaching Bengaluru for integration with the
satellite.
The NISAR mission aims to provide high-resolution data that will help
scientists understand various geological and environmental processes. It will
monitor land deformation, ice sheet movements, and vegetation changes,
offering valuable insights into climate change and natural hazards.
This mission marks a historic collaboration between NASA and ISRO, as it is
the first time both agencies are jointly developing hardware for an
Earth-observing mission. NASA is responsible for the L-band radar system while
ISRO provides the S-band system. The integration of these systems is currently
taking place at ISRO's facilities in Bangalore.
The NISAR satellite represents a significant advancement in remote sensing
technology and international cooperation in space exploration, promising to
deliver critical data for scientific research and disaster management
globally.
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