The NASA-ISRO space mission NISAR, slated for launch in March 2025, is set to be a game-changer in Earth observation. This collaboration between India and the US will feature the world’s most expensive Earth-observing satellite, costing a massive $1.5 billion.
NISAR, equipped with dual-band radar, will gather detailed data about Earth’s surface, including land deformation caused by earthquakes, volcanic activity, and ice sheet movements. It will also track the changes in forests and wetlands, providing valuable insights into the global carbon cycle. What makes NISAR unique is its ability to use both L-band and S-band radar wavelengths, allowing it to detect both large objects like tree trunks and smaller features like leaves or rough surfaces. This broad range of detection will offer scientists a more comprehensive view of Earth’s dynamic surface.
The satellite will orbit at 747 kilometers above the Earth, providing weekly images that will monitor shifts in tectonic plates, ocean currents, and even glacier movements. ISRO and NASA have joined forces to develop the hardware for this mission. NASA is responsible for the L-band radar and other systems, while ISRO is handling the launch, spacecraft development, and data processing.
The satellite will be launched from ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, India. Once operational, the data from NISAR will be freely accessible via the cloud, allowing scientists worldwide to use it for research on ecosystems, water resources, and soil moisture. With its wide-ranging applications, NISAR aims to enhance disaster management and help address global environmental challenges.
