23-Mar-2023: NASA and ISRO have jointly manufactured an earth science satellite named, NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) at a cost of about Rs 470 crore
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today informed the Rajya Sabha that National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) have jointly manufactured an earth science satellite named, NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar).
The mission objectives of the satellite are- Design, Develop and launch Dual Frequency (L and S band) Radar Imaging Satellite and to Explore newer applications areas using L & S Band microwave data especially in surface deformation studies, terrestrial biomass structure, natural resource mapping and monitoring and studies related to dynamics of ice-sheets, glaciers, forests, oil slick etc.
The satellite is configured with I-3K bus and the instrument identified for SAR is based on the innovative Sweep SAR technique configured in both L and S band in polarimetric configuration for wide swath and high resolution.
The spacecraft will orbit the Earth in a sun synchronous orbit of 747 Km with an inclination of 98.4 degree for a 12-day repeat cycle.
Dr Jitendra Singh said, while NASA is delivering the L-Band SAR payload, high precision GPS and 12m unfurlable antenna, ISRO is delivering S-band SAR payload, spacecraft bus and facilitating launch. The total expenditure incurred on realization of NISAR satellite by ISRO as on February, 2023 is Rs. 469.40 Crore, excluding launch cost.
9-Feb-2023: NISAR received a send-off ceremony at the NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California
NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) has received a send-off ceremony at the NASA’s (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in California, USA.
NISAR Mission
- NISAR is a joint mission between NASA and ISRO.
- Is a first radar of its kind in space to systematically map Earth.
- Uses two different radar frequencies (L-band and S-band) to measure changes in our planet's surface less than a centimeter across.
- To be launched in January 2024
Features
- 2,800 kg satellite
- Dual-frequency imaging radar
- L-band radar provided by NASA
- S-band radar provided by ISRO
- NASA, also provides GPS, a high-capacity solid-state recorder to store data, and a payload data subsystem.
- ISRO, also provides the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) launch system and spacecraft.
S band radar
- Operate on a wavelength of 8-15 cm and a frequency of 2-4 GHz. Because of the wavelength and frequency, they are not easily attenuated. This makes them useful for near and far range weather observation.
- 39-foot stationary antenna reflector , made of a gold-plated wire mesh; the reflector will be used to focus “the radar signals emitted and received by the upward-facing feed on the instrument structure.
- Uses Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) to produce high-resolution images. SAR is capable of penetrating clouds and can collect data day and night regardless of the weather conditions.
L-band radar
NASA requires the L-band radar for its global science operations for at least three years. Meanwhile, ISRO will utilise the S-band radar for a minimum of five years.
Expected Benefits
Earth Science
- Provides data on surface changes, natural hazards, and ecosystem disturbances.
- Advances understanding of Earth system processes and climate change.
Disaster Management
- Provides critical information to manage natural disasters.
- Enables faster response times and better risk assessments.
Agriculture
- Improves agriculture management and food security.
- Provides information about crop growth, soil moisture, and land-use changes.
Infrastructure Monitoring
- Provides data for infrastructure monitoring and management.
- Monitors oil spills, urbanization, and deforestation.
Climate Change
- Monitors and understands the impacts of climate change on the Earth's land surface.
- Tracks melting glaciers, sea-level rise, and changes in carbon storage.