ISRO Set to Launch NISAR Today: A Major Leap in Earth Observation

.

🚀 Introduction

In a landmark moment for global Earth science and Indo-US space cooperation, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the much-anticipated NISAR satellite (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) today, July 30, 2025, at 5:40 PM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

NISAR is not just another satellite—it is the world’s first dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar satellite, jointly developed by NASA and ISRO to revolutionise how we observe and monitor Earth. From tracking glacier loss and deforestation to predicting earthquakes and managing disasters, this mission is poised to have a profound impact on climate science, agriculture, and global safety.

🌍 What Is NISAR?

NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a cutting-edge Earth observation satellite equipped with two radar systems:

• L-band radar (provided by NASA)
• S-band radar (developed by ISRO)

These two radars work in tandem to provide high-resolution, all-weather, day-and-night imaging, capable of detecting minute changes on the Earth’s surface—sometimes as small as a few millimetres.

It’s designed to scan nearly the entire planet every 12 days, offering unprecedented temporal and spatial resolution for Earth science data.

🌐 A Powerful Indo-US Collaboration

NISAR marks a major milestone in scientific diplomacy. It is the first major satellite mission jointly developed by NASA and ISRO, with total estimated project costs exceeding $1.5 billion.

Key Contributions:

• NASA: Provided the L-band SAR, high-precision GPS, and mission data processing systems.
• ISRO: Developed the S-band radar, satellite bus, and is responsible for the satellite’s launch.

This collaboration brings together NASA’s deep expertise in radar technology and ISRO’s proven track record in space-based platforms and mission execution.

🛰️ Why Is NISAR Important?

1. Climate Change Monitoring

NISAR can track:

• Glacial melt and ice-sheet mass loss
• Deforestation and biomass reduction
• Sea level rise due to land deformation

2. Disaster Preparedness

The satellite can detect and track:

• Earthquakes and tectonic shifts
• Landslides and volcanic activity
• Floodplain mapping and river migration

3. Agriculture and Water Management

Farmers and policy-makers can use its data to:

• Monitor crop health
• Assess irrigation needs
• Track soil moisture and groundwater depletion

4. Urban Planning and Infrastructure

It can measure:

• Land subsidence in cities
• Changes in infrastructure over time
• Coastal erosion and urban expansion

📍 Mission Details

🔍 What Makes NISAR Unique?

• Dual-Frequency Advantage: NISAR is the first satellite to combine L-band and S-band SARs, enabling deeper and more accurate penetration through vegetation, ice, and soil.
• All-Weather Imaging: Unlike optical satellites, NISAR can “see” through clouds and darkness, ensuring consistent data.
• Global Reach: It can map the entire Earth with high detail, revisiting each spot every 12 days.
• Open Access Data: Most NISAR data will be publicly available, enabling scientific, commercial, and policy applications worldwide.

🛠️ Post-Launch Commissioning Phase

After the successful launch, NISAR will undergo a 90-day commissioning phase, during which:

• All instruments will be calibrated
• Radar systems will be tested in operational mode
• The satellite’s orbital path and data links will be stabilized

Once these checks are complete, NISAR will begin its scientific data collection phase, expected by late 2025.

🧠 Scientific and Strategic Benefits

For Science:

• Improves our understanding of Earth’s crustal movements, water cycles, vegetation dynamics, and more.
• Supports carbon accounting and climate modeling, crucial for international environmental treaties.
• Enables real-time disaster response planning with early warning data.

For India:

• Boosts national capabilities in radar imaging and remote sensing.
• Strengthens space diplomacy and collaboration with NASA and other space-faring nations.
• Enhances India’s role in global climate monitoring networks.

🗨️ Statements from Officials

“NISAR is a giant leap for Earth science and international cooperation. With its unparalleled capabilities, the satellite will help monitor changes that affect millions of lives.”
— ISRO Chairman S. Somanath

“This partnership with India has created a world-class observatory. NISAR is the future of Earth science from space.”
— NASA Administrator Bill Nelson

📊 Impact on the Future

NISAR is more than a scientific tool—it’s a force multiplier for global resilience. By giving governments, researchers, and first responders access to near-real-time Earth data, it can help tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time:

• Mitigating climate disasters
• Managing dwindling natural resources
• Supporting sustainable urban and rural development
• Improving food and water security

It also sets the stage for future collaborations between India and the United States in space exploration, research, and Earth observation.

📝 Conclusion

The launch of NISAR is a moment of pride for both India and the United States. As the satellite soars into orbit today, it carries with it not just the most advanced radar systems ever sent into space, but also the hopes of millions seeking a better understanding of the changing planet we call home.

NISAR’s mission is clear: observe, understand, and protect Earth—one scan at a time.