The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite, a collaborative effort between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is prepared for its launch on July 30 at 8:10 a.m. EDT (5:40 p.m. IST). The satellite has been successfully encapsulated within the nose cone of ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, currently located on the launch pad at Satish Dhawan Space Centre on India’s southeastern coast.
Designed to be about the size of a pickup truck, NISAR is equipped with innovative dual-radar technology that will provide critical high-resolution data essential for analyzing infrastructure, agriculture, and natural hazards. Its unique capabilities will aid scientists and decision-makers in monitoring landslides, earthquakes, and other disasters like hurricanes, floods, and volcanic eruptions.
NISAR’s dual-payload consists of an L-band radar system, measuring signals with a 10-inch (25-centimeter) wavelength, and an S-band system with a 4-inch (10-centimeter) wavelength. This combination allows for a detailed examination of Earth’s surface features and conditions, such as soil moisture levels and land subsidence, significantly contributing to our understanding of environmental dynamics.
The satellite is set to orbit the Earth 14 times each day, effectively scanning nearly all land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days. This extensive observational capability will enhance response planning and real-time decision-making regarding natural resources and disaster management.
A live broadcast of the launch will commence at 7 a.m. EDT on July 30 from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California. Viewers can watch the event on NASA+ and the agency’s official YouTube channel.
The NISAR mission represents a hopeful advancement in how we monitor and respond to environmental changes and natural disasters, underscoring the ongoing international collaboration in space exploration and research. For more information about NISAR, please visit NASA’s dedicated mission page.