NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite set for launch

NISAR is a satellite for Earth observation, representing NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar.

It is collaboratively created by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation through a partnership accord established in 2014.

It will be deployed into a polar Sun-synchronous orbit at a height of 747 km and an inclination of 98.4º.

NISAR represents the inaugural satellite mission to gather radar data in two microwave frequency ranges, known as the L-band and the S-band.

The ISRO created the S-band payload, while the U.S. developed the L-band payload.

Observation of Earth's Surface

The NISAR system consists of a dual-frequency, fully polarimetric radar, featuring an imaging swath that exceeds 150 miles (240 km).

This design enables total global coverage every 12 days, allowing scientists to produce time-series interferometric images and methodically chart the Earth's changing surface.

It is capable of observing different elements with extremely high detail.

Following a 90-day commissioning phase, the mission is set to carry out at least three complete years of scientific operations using the L-band radar to meet NASA’s criteria.

ISRO needs five years of functioning with the S-band radar.

How does NISAR function?

NISAR integrates two varieties of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems:

The L-band SAR (1.257 GHz) employs longer-wavelength radio waves that can penetrate dense vegetation and soil, making it suitable for monitoring ground deformation under forests.

The S-band SAR (3.2 GHz) employs shorter-wavelength radio waves, which are more efficient at identifying surface features like crops, water bodies, and urban structures.

The satellite employs polarimetric radar technology, which entails transmitting and detecting radar signals in horizontal and vertical polarizations.

ISRO will oversee satellite operations and commanding, whereas NASA will supply the orbit maneuver strategy and radar operations strategy.

NISAR Spacecraft

NISAR is a satellite for Earth observation, representing NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar.

It is collaboratively created by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation through a partnership accord established in 2014.

It will be deployed into a polar Sun-synchronous orbit at a height of 747 km and an inclination of 98.4º.

NISAR represents the inaugural satellite mission to gather radar data in two microwave frequency ranges, known as the L-band and the S-band.

The ISRO created the S-band payload, while the U.S. developed the L-band payload.

Observation of Earth's Surface

The NISAR system consists of a dual-frequency, fully polarimetric radar, featuring an imaging swath that exceeds 150 miles (240 km).

This design enables total global coverage every 12 days, allowing scientists to produce time-series interferometric images and methodically chart the Earth's changing surface.

It is capable of observing different elements with extremely high detail.

Following a 90-day commissioning phase, the mission is set to carry out at least three complete years of scientific operations using the L-band radar to meet NASA’s criteria.

ISRO needs five years of functioning with the S-band radar.

How does NISAR function?

NISAR integrates two varieties of Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems:

The L-band SAR (1.257 GHz) employs longer-wavelength radio waves that can penetrate dense vegetation and soil, making it suitable for monitoring ground deformation under forests.

The S-band SAR (3.2 GHz) employs shorter-wavelength radio waves, which are more efficient at identifying surface features like crops, water bodies, and urban structures.

The satellite employs polarimetric radar technology, which entails transmitting and detecting radar signals in horizontal and vertical polarizations.

ISRO will oversee satellite operations and commanding, whereas NASA will supply the orbit maneuver strategy and radar operations strategy.