The upcoming launch of the Nisar satellite marks a significant collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA. Scheduled for liftoff from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India, Nisar is touted as the "most sophisticated radar we've ever built," according to NASA. This satellite will uniquely utilize both NASA's L-band and ISRO's S-band radar frequencies to observe and map the Earth's surface changes.
With a launch weight of 2,392 kg, Nisar will establish a "sun-synchronous polar orbit," enabling it to revisit the same locations every 12 days. It's set to detect minute changes in landscapes, including shifts in land, ice sheets, and coastlines. NASA's Earth Sciences Director, Karen St Germain, highlighted that it could help predict natural hazards like earthquakes and wildfires, as well as track human-induced transformations from farming and infrastructure.
Valued at $1.5 billion and more than a decade in development, this joint mission symbolizes India's burgeoning leadership in space exploration. It follows India's recent achievements, including a successful Moon landing and plans for human spaceflight in 2027. Indian Science Minister Jitendra Singh emphasized that Nisar is not only a satellite but "India's scientific handshake with the world." The mission reinforces collaboration and innovation as India continues to advance in its space endeavors.
