What Is NISAR and Why It Matters
NISAR Mission: NASA-ISRO’s Earth Watchdog to Tackle Climate Disasters : NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is the world’s first satellite equipped with dual-frequency radar (L-band and S-band), designed to observe the Earth’s surface with unmatched precision. Set to launch in March 2025 from Sriharikota, this mission will scan the planet every 12 days, providing real-time data on glacier melt, landslides, forest loss, and tectonic shifts. It’s a breakthrough in climate tracking and disaster preparedness — offering insights that are crucial for governments, scientists, and communities worldwide.
How NISAR Works: Radar Vision from Space
NISAR uses a 12-meter-wide drum-shaped radar antenna to send microwave signals that bounce back from Earth’s surface.
- L-band (10-inch wavelength): Penetrates through vegetation, ice, and soil, perfect for monitoring glaciers, ground movement, and deforestation.
- S-band (4-inch wavelength): Detects fine surface changes, like soil cracks, landslides, and crop stress.
Together, they give a multi-layered 3D map of the planet, revealing even small shifts the size of half a tennis court.
India’s Role: More Than Just a Launch Partner
India, through ISRO, has played a central role:
- S-band radar: Built by Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad
- Satellite bus: Developed at UR Rao Satellite Centre, Bengaluru
- Launch vehicle (GSLV): Provided by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
- Mission operations: Handled by ISTRAC
This partnership not only boosts India’s tech credentials but also ensures it becomes a global hub for climate monitoring infrastructure.
Why Open Data from NISAR Is a Game Changer
All data collected by NISAR will be freely available via cloud-based platforms managed by NASA. This means:
- Disaster agencies can plan quicker responses
- Researchers can track glacier retreat, soil erosion, or deforestation
- Policymakers can base decisions on real-time environmental metrics
From Uttarakhand landslides to Andaman coastal erosion, NISAR’s data will be a public good with global impact.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT FOR COMPETITIVE EXAMS
| Feature | Details |
| Mission Name | NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) |
| Launch Date | March 2025 |
| Launch Site | Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota |
| Antenna Size | 12 meters (39 feet) |
| Radar Bands | L-band (NASA) and S-band (ISRO) |
| Earth Revisit Time | Every 12 days |
| Data Access | Open and globally accessible via cloud |
| Key Contributions (India) | S-band radar, satellite bus, GSLV launch, mission ops |
| Key Contributions (NASA) | L-band radar, main antenna, data processing system |
| Pixel Accuracy | Can detect surface change size of half a tennis court |
