India and the United States have successfully launched the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite, a groundbreaking Earth observation mission developed in collaboration between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The satellite was launched on July 30, 2025, at 5:40 PM IST from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India, aboard the GSLV-F16 rocket.
What Is NISAR?
NISAR is the first satellite to utilize dual-frequency radar systems: NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band. This combination allows the satellite to observe Earth’s surface with unprecedented precision, detecting changes as small as a centimeter. The satellite will operate in a sun-synchronous orbit at an altitude of approximately 743 km, enabling it to monitor the planet’s land and ice-covered surfaces globally every 12 days.
Mission Objectives
The primary objectives of the NISAR mission include:
- Monitoring land and ice deformation
- Studying land ecosystems and oceanic regions
- Tracking natural hazards such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions
- Assessing sea level rise and groundwater levels
- Observing forest biomass and vegetation dynamics
- Providing data for disaster response and climate change research
Significance of the Mission
The NISAR satellite represents a significant milestone in international scientific collaboration. It combines advanced radar technology from both NASA and ISRO, marking the first time the two agencies have jointly developed and launched an Earth observation satellite. The mission is expected to provide valuable data for researchers and policymakers worldwide, enhancing our understanding of Earth’s dynamic systems and supporting efforts to mitigate the impacts of natural disasters and climate change.
With its advanced capabilities and collaborative foundation, the NISAR mission is poised to make significant contributions to Earth science. As the satellite begins its operations, scientists anticipate that the data it collects will offer new insights into the planet’s environmental processes, supporting global efforts to address pressing challenges related to climate and disaster resilience.
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