Why is it in the news?

• The NISAR satellite, a joint project between NASA and ISRO signed in 2014, is slated for launch in March 2024 to monitor natural processes and changes in Earth’s ecosystems.

NISAR satellite

About:

• The NISAR satellite stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar.
• It is a collaborative effort between NASA and ISRO for Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
• The satellite is approximately the size of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) and weighs around 2,800 kilograms.

Objectives:

• Tracking subtle changes in the Earth’s surface is one of the primary objectives of the NISAR satellite.
• It aims to identify warning signs of imminent volcanic eruptions, helping to mitigate potential disasters.
• Monitoring groundwater supplies is another crucial function, contributing to better water resource management.
• Additionally, the satellite will track the rate at which ice sheets are melting, providing valuable data for climate research.

Functioning:

• Its mission life is expected to span three years, during which it will collect data and transmit information back to Earth.
• The satellite will capture images of Earth’s land, ice sheets, and sea ice at regular intervals, approximately every 12 days.
• It is equipped with advanced technology that enables it to detect even minor movements on the Earth’s surface, with a precision of up to 0.4 inches over a given area.

Features:

• One of the notable features of the NISAR satellite is its dual-frequency capability, operating in both L-band and S-band frequencies.
• Components contributed by NASA include the L-band radar, GPS system, solid-state recorder, and payload data subsystem.
• ISRO’s contributions include the S-band radar, GSLV launch system, and spacecraft itself.
• The satellite is equipped with a large 39-foot fixed antenna reflector, which plays a crucial role in focusing radar signals for data collection.

Significance of the Mission

• Earth Observation: The NISAR satellite will provide detailed observations of Earth’s surface, facilitating the monitoring of changes in ice sheets, land deformation, and ecosystems.
• Disaster Management: By offering vital data for managing natural disasters such as earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions, the mission will help improve response time and risk assessments.
• Agriculture: Data collected by NISAR will enhance agriculture management and food security by providing insights into crop growth, soil moisture levels, and changes in land use.
• Climate Change: The satellite’s observations will contribute to monitoring and understanding the impacts of climate change on Earth’s land surface, including glacier melting, sea-level rise, and changes in carbon storage.