A New Chapter in Indo-US Space Partnership
NISAR Satellite Begins Operational Phase on November 7: The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite will officially become operational on November 7, marking a historic moment in space collaboration between India and the United States. According to ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan, the mission has completed calibration and validation processes and is ready for full-scale scientific operations.
Static GK fact: The NISAR mission is a joint project between NASA and ISRO, signed in 2014, symbolizing one of the strongest bilateral science partnerships in the world.
Powerful Technology for Climate and Earth Studies
NISAR is the world’s first satellite equipped with dual-band radar systems—the L-Band radar developed by NASA and the S-Band radar by ISRO. These radars together allow comprehensive Earth surface analysis, even under cloud cover or during nighttime.
The L-Band radar will track changes in forest density, soil moisture, and ice sheets, while the S-Band radar focuses on monitoring agricultural patterns and small vegetation movements. Together, they provide near-continuous coverage of global land and ice regions every 12 days.
Static GK Tip: The term Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) refers to a form of radar that creates high-resolution images using motion of the radar antenna over a target region.
Advancing Global Environmental Monitoring
NISAR will provide critical insights into climate change, natural disasters, and ecosystem variations. It can detect minute land displacements, track glacial retreats, and monitor flood-prone areas. This makes it an essential tool for predicting and mitigating disasters like earthquakes, landslides, and floods.
The data from NISAR will also support global research on carbon storage, helping scientists better understand how forests and wetlands absorb greenhouse gases.
Static GK fact: India’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC-SHAR) in Sriharikota is the main launch site for ISRO’s major space missions, including NISAR.
Future Indian Missions on the Horizon
Along with NISAR, ISRO is preparing to launch its first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission in January 2026, marking India’s step toward human spaceflight. The agency has already completed over 8,000 tests to ensure astronaut safety.
Looking ahead, ISRO is also working on the Bhartiya Antariksh Station, projected to have its first module in orbit by 2028. By 2035, the station is expected to have five modules capable of accommodating up to six astronauts.
Static GK fact: India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, was launched in 1975 with Soviet assistance, marking the beginning of India’s journey in space research.
Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table
NISAR Satellite Begins Operational Phase on November 7:
| Topic | Detail |
| Full form of NISAR | NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar |
| Launch vehicle | GSLV rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre |
| Weight of satellite | Around 2,400 kilograms |
| Date of operational start | November 7, 2025 |
| Dual radar systems | L-Band (NASA) and S-Band (ISRO) |
| Earth coverage cycle | Twice every 12 days |
| Major objectives | Climate monitoring, natural hazard mapping, land surface analysis |
| Upcoming ISRO missions | Gaganyaan (2026) and Bhartiya Antariksh Station (2028–2035) |
| First Indo-US joint Earth observation project | NISAR |
| Headquarters of ISRO | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
