In a significant international collaboration, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have teamed up to launch a high-tech ISRO-NASA satellite known as NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar). It is scheduled to launch in early 2025 from India.
This innovative satellite is engineered to track subtle yet impactful shifts on Earth’s surface, ranging from land movements and ice loss to vegetation health. NISAR’s mission will bring unprecedented insights into the dynamic nature of our planet’s landscapes, marking a new era in Earth observation.
What is NISAR?
The NISAR mission represents a sophisticated blend of synthetic aperture radar technology and international expertise. Equipped with advanced radar systems, this satellite is capable of delivering detailed and regular measurements, aiding scientists and policymakers in understanding Earth’s evolving surface and mitigating risks tied to natural hazards.
How Does the ISRO-NASA Satellite, NISAR, Work?
The ISRO NASA Satellite, NISAR is outfitted with dual radar systems: an L-band radar from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and an S-band radar from ISRO. These radar types operate in tandem to create a detailed, multi-layered view of Earth’s surface, capturing changes across diverse landscapes and weather conditions.
The two distinct radar systems are central to NISAR’s mission. The L-band radar is excellent for penetrating dense vegetation and clouds, allowing data collection in conditions that would limit traditional satellites. Meanwhile, the S-band radar complements these capabilities, enhancing the satellite’s precision in tracking rapid and subtle surface changes.
One of the unique features of NISAR is its ability to capture data both day and night. This 24/7 monitoring ability is critical for gathering data in remote or obscured regions, such as dense forests and icy terrains. The radar technology also ensures that ISRO-NASA satellite NISAR can deliver high-accuracy measurements, regardless of weather conditions.
Key Features and Capabilities of the ISRO-NASA Satellite
High Frequency of Observations
NISAR is designed to scan the planet every 12 days, allowing researchers to monitor changes frequently and with precision. Such regular observation schedules are rare, making NISAR a vital tool in studying environmental changes as they happen.
Tracking Surface Deformations
The satellite will capture minute deformations on the Earth’s surface, measuring movements down to a few millimeters. This level of precision is invaluable for predicting natural events like landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions.
Global Reach and Wide Applications
With its global scanning capabilities, NISAR will have broad applications, including monitoring the Himalayan region, tracking melting glaciers, and assessing the risk of seismic events in active zones.
Applications of the ISRO-NASA Satellite, NISAR
Seismic Risk Assessment and Earthquake Detection
NISAR will be instrumental in tracking movements along fault lines, especially in seismically active regions such as the Himalayan plate boundary. This information can help scientists better understand earthquake-prone areas and potentially predict seismic risks in specific regions.
Glacier and Ice Sheet Monitoring
As glaciers and ice sheets continue to shift due to climate change, ISRO-NASA satellite NISAR’s radar system will track these changes meticulously. By providing data on glacier retreat and ice sheet thinning, NISAR will support studies on rising sea levels and their global impact.
Vegetation and Forest Health Monitoring
NISAR’s ability to penetrate dense vegetation makes it ideal for tracking deforestation and forest health. With climate change driving shifts in vegetation, ISRO-NASA satellite NISAR’s data will be important for conservation efforts and tracking the health of biodiversity-rich regions.
Infrastructure Monitoring
The satellite will also monitor infrastructure stability, including dams, levees, and aqueducts. In the wake of natural events such as earthquakes, NISAR will provide data on structural changes that could pose risks to human populations and the environment.
