NISAR Satellite, Objective, Features and Functions

NISAR satellite is jointly developed by NASA and ISRO for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observation. Check here Objective, Features and Functions of NISAR Satellite.

Table of Contents

Context: The NISAR satellite was originally planned for launch in July, now been delayed to October-November due to issues on the U.S. side, requiring corrections to the spacecraft.

NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)

Development: NISAR is a satellite jointly developed by NASA and ISRO for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observation.
Size and Weight: It is an SUV-sized satellite, weighing around 2,800 kilograms.

Details About NISAR Satellite

Objective: To monitor tectonic movements, water bodies, water stress, vegetation cover, snow cover, and more.
- Earth Surface Monitoring: Tracks subtle changes in the Earth’s surface.
- Volcanic Eruptions: Spots warning signs of imminent volcanic eruptions.
- Groundwater Monitoring: Helps monitor groundwater supplies.
- Ice Sheet Tracking: Tracks the rate at which ice sheets are melting.
Duration: 3 years.
Function: Can fully cover Earth in 14-15 days.
- Imaging Frequency: Captures images of Earth’s land, ice sheets, and sea ice every 12 days.
- Surface Movement Detection: Detects the earth’s surface movement as small as 0.4 inches over an area.

Features of NISAR Satellite

Dual Frequency: Equipped with L-band and S-band radars.
- NASA Contribution: L-band radar, GPS, solid-state recorder, and payload data subsystem.
- ISRO Contribution: S-band radar, GSLV launch system, and spacecraft.
Antenna Reflector: Features a large 39-foot fixed antenna reflector to focus radar signals emitted and received by the upward-facing feed on the instrument structure.

Other Missions by ISRO

Chandrayaan-4:

Conceptual stage, aims to bring back samples from the moon.
Part of a series of missions leading to a manned lunar landing by 2040.
Requires a new rocket and innovative methods for sample collection and return.

Spadex (Space Docking Experiment):

Involves two satellites docking in space.
Satellites have been built and are undergoing testing.
Targets a launch by the end of the year.
Precursor to the ISRO building a space station.

Gaganyaan Mission:

Helicopter airdrop tests of the crew module are ongoing.
Preparing for the unmanned mission (G-1) and abort test.
Four astronauts will be sent to the U.S. for training.
One astronaut will fly to the International Space Station.

Sukhrayaan Mission:

Aims to send a probe to Venus.
Designs and configurations are complete.
Awaiting government approval.

New Application Areas for Satellites

Bharatiya Antariksha Station: Planned space station with the first module launch targeted by 2028.
New Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV): Named Surya, under development.
Quantum Key Distribution Satellite: Aimed at secure communication.
Software-Defined Radio Satellite: A communication satellite in development.
Aircraft Monitoring Constellation (ADS): A satellite constellation to monitor all aircraft in Indian airspace and assist airport authorities in managing air traffic.