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.
Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KoSO) has digitized the longest continuous solar observations made on photographic plates/films over more than 100 years, making them available for community use. These solar observations can help scientists worldwide to study solar variability and its impact on climate over a longer time scale.
The data covers the period from 1904 to 2017 and includes one of the most homogeneous and extended sunspot data series for around 115 years (1921-2011). Researchers from two autonomous institutes under the Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology (DST), Govt. of India, have solved significant issues in the data to make it usable for scientific analysis.
The extended and updated sunspot area series for 1904-2017, is representing a beautiful butterfly diagram (Source: PIB)
The digitized data is available as open data and will be useful to researchers and students across the world. The solar observations can help us understand the behavior of the Sun in the past, and based on that, we can predict its future, which is crucial for our existence in the times that lie ahead.
Artificial Intelligence will be used to extract data from hand-drawn pictures of sunspots, which have been preserved at the KoSO, making it one of the oldest, rare, and continuous solar data sets. The data will be a vital asset for the solar community for understanding the fate of the Sun and shaping our plans for space exploration as the Sun is the driver for our space weather conditions.
Agasthyarkoodam, situated in the Western Ghats of Kerala, is a renowned peak that has been recognized as an essential observatory for the study of astronomy in the 19th century. This peak, standing at an elevation of 1,890 meters above sea level, has been an important center for astronomical observation, research, and education for several years.
The Agasthyarkoodam observatory, which was established by a Scottish meteorologist John Allan Broun, has played a significant role in the study of astronomy and celestial objects. It is situated in the Neyyar Wildlife Sanctuary, which is home to an array of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna.
The observatory is equipped with a 12-inch telescope, which is used for observing the planets and other celestial objects. The telescope is installed on a concrete pedestal, and a dome structure houses the telescope. The observatory also features a clock tower, which was used to measure time accurately, and other equipment used to measure atmospheric pressure and temperature.
The location of Agasthyarkoodam observatory is known for its low humidity, clear skies, and minimal light pollution, making it a prime spot for astronomical observation. The unique climatic conditions and lack of pollution make it an ideal location for studying astronomical phenomena such as meteor showers, eclipses, and comets.
Over the years, the observatory has been utilized by a variety of researchers and astronomers, who have contributed significantly to the study of astronomy. It has facilitated astronomical research and education in the region.