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NISAR Satellite
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, a collaborative effort between National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is scheduled to launch in early 2025.
- It integrates two advanced radar systems—NASA’s L-band radar and ISRO''s S-band radar—marking it as the first satellite to carry both.
- It was built in collaboration with the US and India under a partnership agreement signed in 2014, and is set to launch from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh, India.
- The satellite will be launched into low Earth orbit using ISRO''s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II.
- Objective: It will map the entire globe every 12 days, offering consistent data on ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation, sea level rise, groundwater, and natural hazards like earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides.
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Feature |
Details |
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Thermal Blanketing |
Gold-coloured thermal blankets regulate the satellite''s temperature during operation. |
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Key Components |
Radar Payload: Core instrument for surface observation. Spacecraft Bus: Provides power, communications, navigation, and pointing control for satellite operations. Antenna and Reflector: 12 metre diameter drum-shaped wire-mesh reflector, the largest in space, enhances radar signal focus and observation capabilities. |
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Technological Advancements |
Dual Radar Systems: Combines NASA’s L-band radar and ISRO’s S-band radar: L-band Radar: Penetrates dense vegetation to measure ground motion, ideal for volcanic and seismic zones. S-band Radar: Improves surface monitoring precision; operates on 8-15 cm wavelength and 2-4 GHz frequency. |
Applications of NISAR
- Comprehensive Monitoring: NISAR captures Earth''s surface movements (horizontal & vertical) with high clarity, functioning day and night through clouds.
- Disaster Mitigation: Tracks seismic activities, landslides, volcanic events, and ice sheet shifts for disaster impact reduction.
- Environmental Tracking: Monitors forests, wetlands, farmlands, and deforestation to support sustainable resource management.
- Infrastructure Stability: Assesses infrastructure, monitors urbanisation, and detects oil spills for better management.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: Supports understanding tectonic movements and promotes informed, sustainable, and economic use of resources.
POSTED ON 26-12-2024 BY ADMIN
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