NISAR mission is a joint ambitious project of Indian Space Research organisation; ISRO and NASA. This mission is a great effort to make the world technologically capable of dealing with natural disasters like earthquakes, landslides, volcanic eruptions, crop diversity and other global challenges.
What is NISAR Mission?
NISAR full form is NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar. This project is the world’s first radar imaging satellite which will use NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band. The main objective of NISAR to observe and measure the Earth’s surface down to millimeters. NISAR’s unique characteristics make it a game-changer for monitoring surface changes with extreme precision. It is intended to scan all of the earth’s land and ice surfaces twice every twelve days.
The NISAR mission represents a collaboration between NASA and ISRO, aimed at revolutionizing Earth observation. With cutting-edge Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology, NISAR will deliver insights into our planet’s surface. This mission will play a pivotal role for addressing global challenges, from disaster management to environmental sustainability. It will measure land deformation from earthquakes, landslides, and volcanoes, producing data for science and disaster response. It uses ISRO’s advanced radar capabilities and NASA’s expertise in Earth observation.
NISAR Mission Overview
- Project Inception: The mission’s concept was formalized in 2014, with the satellite scheduled for launch in early 2025.
- Budget: As it is a joint project, funded jointly by NASA and ISRO, $1.5 billion equivalent to 12,505 crore in indian currency
- Specifications: NISAR weighs around 2,800 kilograms and features a wide imaging swath of 240 km with high-resolution capabilities.
- Launch Vehicle: It will be launched aboard India’s GSLV Mk II rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
Technical Features Of NISAR Project
NISAR mission has mainly three features:
- SAR
- Dual-frequency Radar
- Advance imaging
1. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR):
SAR technology enables the creation of high-resolution images by emitting radar signals and capturing their echoes from Earth’s surface. Unlike traditional optical imaging, SAR can operate in all weather conditions, day or night.
How SAR Technology Works:
- Signal Transmission: A radar emits electromagnetic pulses toward Earth’s surface.
- Signal Reception: The radar records the strength and delay of signals bouncing back (backscatter).
- Image Formation: Advanced processing combines data to form high-resolution images.
Advantages of SAR:
- Operates in any weather, day or night.
- Captures surface details like roughness and moisture levels.
- Provides 3D mapping capability.
2. Dual-Frequency Radar:
- L-band Radar (NASA): Ideal for penetrating dense vegetation and studying underlying surfaces.
- S-band Radar (ISRO): Optimized for capturing finer details and surface deformations.
3. Advanced Imaging:
- High-resolution imaging down to 2-8 meters.
- Ability to capture wide-area observations, ideal for tracking dynamic processes.
4 main objectives of NISAR Mission
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Here are the 4 main objectives of NISAR Project
- Climate and Environmental Monitoring:
- Track deforestation rates and agricultural patterns.
- Monitor glacial melting and assess its contribution to rising sea levels.
- Disaster Preparedness:
- Provide real-time data to analyze natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and landslides.
- Aid in disaster response and recovery efforts.
- Infrastructure and Urban Planning:
- Map urban growth and analyze infrastructure development.
- Facilitate efficient natural resource management.
- Scientific Research:
- Enhance understanding of tectonic activities and their impact.
- Study global phenomena such as ecosystem changes and carbon storage.
How Does NISAR Work?
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology is at the core of NISAR. It works by emitting radar signals toward Earth’s surface and capturing the echoes (backscatter) that bounce back. These signals are then processed to create high-resolution images. SAR offers distinct advantages:
- All-Weather Capability: Operates effectively in cloudy or dark conditions.
- Precise Measurements: Detects surface changes with centimetre-level accuracy.
- 3D Imaging: Provides detailed 3D maps of Earth’s surface.
NASA-ISRO Collaboration Details
The NISAR mission highlights the kinship between NASA’s expertise in Earth science and ISRO’s advanced space technology. NASA developed the L-band radar system and ISRO contributed the S-band radar system and managed satellite integration and launch operations.
What are the benefits of NISAR Mission
Improved Disaster Response
By using data provided by NISAR responses to natural disasters and managing them will become faster.
Environmental Insights
Well rounded data to study environmental changes and their impact globally.
Global Accessibility
Data will be freely available for researchers worldwide, fostering innovation and collaboration.
Timeline and Future Plans
- Development Milestones:
- 2014: Project inception.
- 2025: Planned launch date.
- Operational Lifespan: Designed for a three-year mission but expected to exceed this duration.
- Future Plans: The mission will provide open-access data, enabling global research and potential follow-up collaborations.
Conclusion
The NISAR mission represents a groundbreaking step forward in Earth observation. By using advanced SAR technology, it promises to address critical issues like climate change, disaster management, and sustainable development. This joint initiative between NASA and ISRO showcases the power of international collaboration in tackling global challenges. With NISAR, the future of Earth observation is brighter than ever.
The NISAR mission will be a very important topic for UPSC aspirants this year. Hope this article help the aspirants of UPSC to grab detailed insights on NISAR project or NISAR mission.
FAQs on NISAR Mission
Q1. What is the full form of NISAR?
Ans. NISAR full form is NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar.
Q2. What is the purpose of NISAR?
Ans. It will provide comprehensive data for observing environmental changes and crop pattern, natural disasters, and resource management.
Q3. What is the budget of NISAR?
Ans. Budget for NISAR is $1.5 billion (12505 crore in INR).
Q4. From where NISAR will be launched?
Ans. It will be launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Shrihari Kota, Andhra Pradesh.
Q5. What is the full form of NASA?
Ans. NASA stands for National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
Q6. What is the full form of ISRO?
Ans. ISRO stands for Indian Space Research Organisation.
Also Read: What is Global Warming? Causes, Effects & Solutions
