NISAR Satellite, Objective, Features and Functions

NISAR Satellite Launch 2025 Live Updates: India launches NASA-ISRO Earth observation satellite NISAR using GSLV-F16. Learn about its objectives, technology, and how it delivers real-time climate data globally.

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India has successfully launched the much-anticipated NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite aboard the GSLV-F16 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC), Sriharikota. This marks a historic collaboration between ISRO and NASA, combining the expertise of both agencies to create one of the world’s most advanced Earth observation satellites. NISAR is expected to revolutionize climate science, disaster management, and environmental monitoring by delivering real-time, high-resolution data.

NISAR Satellite Launch Highlights – Live Updates

18:01 IST – ISRO confirms flawless cryogenic stage performance and satellite separation: “GSLV-F16 delivered NISAR to orbit.”
17:50 IST – Second stage separation completed; cryogenic third stage begins.
17:25 IST – Automatic launch sequence activated.
17:08 IST – 102nd launch from Sriharikota; 18th GSLV flight.
16:51 IST – Over a decade of development effort culminates in successful launch.
16:44 IST – Countdown initiated for launch at 5:40 PM.
16:13 IST – First 90 days reserved for in-orbit testing and calibration.

NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission is a historic joint Earth-observing satellite mission between the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The mission is one of the most prominent collaborations in space science between the two countries.

Development: NISAR is a satellite jointly developed by NASA and ISRO for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observation.
Size and Weight: It is an SUV-sized satellite, weighing around 2,800 kilograms.

Details About NISAR Satellite

Objective: To monitor tectonic movements, water bodies, water stress, vegetation cover, snow cover, and more.
- Earth Surface Monitoring: Tracks subtle changes in the Earth’s surface.
- Volcanic Eruptions: Spots warning signs of imminent volcanic eruptions.
- Groundwater Monitoring: Helps monitor groundwater supplies.
- Ice Sheet Tracking: Tracks the rate at which ice sheets are melting.
Duration: 3 years.

Function

Can fully cover Earth in 14-15 days.

Imaging Frequency: Captures images of Earth’s land, ice sheets, and sea ice every 12 days.
Surface Movement Detection: Detects the earth’s surface movement as small as 0.4 inches over an area.

Features of NISAR Satellite

Dual Frequency: Equipped with L-band and S-band radars.
- NASA Contribution: L-band radar, GPS, solid-state recorder, and payload data subsystem.
- ISRO Contribution: S-band radar, GSLV launch system, and spacecraft.
Antenna Reflector: Features a large 39-foot fixed antenna reflector to focus radar signals emitted and received by the upward-facing feed on the instrument structure.

Other Missions by ISRO

Chandrayaan-4:

Conceptual stage aims to bring back samples from the moon.
Part of a series of missions leading to a manned lunar landing by 2040.
Requires a new rocket and innovative methods for sample collection and return.

Spadex (Space Docking Experiment):

Involves two satellites docking in space.
Satellites have been built and are undergoing testing.
Targets a launch by the end of the year.
Precursor to the ISRO building a space station.

Gaganyaan Mission:

Helicopter airdrop tests of the crew module are ongoing.
Preparing for the unmanned mission (G-1) and abort test.
Four astronauts will be sent to the U.S. for training.
One astronaut will fly to the International Space Station.

Sukhrayaan Mission:

Aims to send a probe to Venus.
Designs and configurations are complete.
Awaiting government approval.

New Application Areas for Satellites

Bharatiya Antariksha Station: Planned space station with the first module launch targeted by 2028.
New Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV): Named Surya, under development.
Quantum Key Distribution Satellite: Aimed at secure communication.
Software-Defined Radio Satellite: A communication satellite in development.
Aircraft Monitoring Constellation (ADS): A satellite constellation to monitor all aircraft in Indian airspace and assist airport authorities in managing air traffic.