New Delhi: In a transformative leap for Earth observation and international space collaboration, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite was successfully launched today from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, aboard the GSLV-F16 rocket. NISAR, developed jointly by NASA and ISRO, is expected to deliver cutting-edge data across sectors including disaster management, climate science, aviation, and maritime safety.
Despite being in New Delhi for Parliamentary responsibilities, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh, joined senior scientists and officials at CSIR Auditorium to witness the historic launch via live telecast. Applauding the flawless liftoff, Dr. Singh hailed NISAR as a “global benchmark” in Indo-US scientific partnership, adding, “NISAR is not just a satellite; it is India’s scientific handshake with the world.”
NISAR- First-of-its-Kind Satellite with Dual-Frequency Radar
NISAR is the world’s first Earth observation satellite to operate dual-frequency synthetic aperture radars—L-band provided by NASA and S-band by ISRO—on a single platform. This advanced configuration enables the satellite to produce high-resolution, all-weather, day-and-night imagery of Earth’s land and ice surfaces, revisiting every point on the planet every 12 days.
The 2,393-kg satellite was successfully inserted into a 747-kilometre Sun-synchronous orbit, marking the first time ISRO’s GSLV launch vehicle placed a satellite into this orbit. The launch also marks the 18th flight of GSLV and the 12th using India’s indigenous cryogenic stage, reflecting India’s growing technological prowess in space.
Applications Across Sectors: Beyond Space
While NISAR’s value in climate monitoring, glacier tracking, agriculture, and disaster management is widely recognized, Dr. Singh highlighted its far-reaching impact on strategic sectors. “NISAR marks a striking shift in how we approach critical areas such as aviation safety, maritime navigation, coastal management, and urban infrastructure planning,” he said.
He emphasized that NISAR’s high-precision data will serve as the foundation for science-driven policymaking, especially in developing nations. “The open-access policy for NISAR’s data will empower not just scientists and researchers, but also disaster-response agencies and climate resilience planners worldwide,” he added.
A Testament to Indo-US Technological Synergy
The $1.5 billion mission reflects deep bilateral cooperation. NASA contributed key systems such as the L-band radar, GPS receiver, high-rate telecommunication system, solid-state recorder, and the 12-meter deployable antenna. ISRO contributed the S-band radar, spacecraft bus, and the GSLV-F16 launch vehicle, along with ground systems and mission support.
Built on ISRO’s I-3K spacecraft bus, the mission is designed to last for at least five years. During this time, it will provide invaluable data to advance global understanding of climate dynamics, tectonic activity, biomass changes, resource management, and more.
India’s Space Vision Under PM Modi
Dr. Jitendra Singh concluded by reiterating India’s transition from utility-driven space missions to knowledge-based scientific leadership. “From Chandrayaan to NISAR, under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is launching not just satellites, but new pathways for global sustainability, science, and diplomacy.”
The successful launch of NISAR cements India’s role as a vital contributor in global scientific collaborations, setting the stage for future Indo-US missions and multilateral initiatives in space exploration and Earth science.
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Source: PIB
