ISRO to launch NISAR on July 30
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on July 21, announced that the satellite developed in coordination with NASA, is scheduled for launch at 5.40pm from Sriharikota on July 30.
The ISRO's GSLV-F16 will launch the NISAR satellite into the 743kms sun- synchronous orbit at an inclination of 98.4 degrees.
This is India's first satellite that will observe the Earth with a dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar. Weighing 2,392 kg, the unique satellite will use NASA's 12m unflurable mesh reflector antenna.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
NISAR satellite: This India-US mission can see through everything with bus-sized radar and detects even small changes on Earth
Nisar Launch Date: India and the United States are collaborating on the NISAR mission, set to launch on July 30, 2025. This joint Earth observation satellite, equipped with dual-frequency radar, will monitor Earth's surface changes with high precision. NISAR's data will support various applications, including disaster response, climate change mitigation, and resource management, providing valuable insights for scientists and policymakers. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads First satellite with dual-frequency radar What NISAR will monitor NISAR will observe Earth's surface changes with high precision. The satellite will support a range of applications: Ground deformation: It will monitor earthquakes, volcanic activity, and landslides by detecting centimeter-level changes in Earth's crust. Ice and glaciers: The satellite will track polar ice sheet movement and melting to inform climate models. Ecosystems and agriculture: It will assess changes in forests, crop growth, and vegetation patterns. Hydrology: It will track soil moisture and surface water changes for water resource management. Disaster response: Real-time data will aid emergency response to events like floods, cyclones, wildfires, and tsunamis. Coastal and maritime surveillance: It will monitor coastal erosion, sea ice, and ship movements. Nisar's Massive Daily Output: Will generate ~80 terabytes of data products per day. Data equivalent to ~150 standard 512 GB hard drives daily. Cloud-based processing and open access to data. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads L-band radar (NASA) uses longer wavelengths to penetrate through vegetation, soil, and ice, making it useful for monitoring underground features and environmental changes. S-band radar (ISRO) uses shorter wavelengths, which are more responsive to surface-level changes, enabling detailed analysis of crops, snow cover, and soil deformation. Collaboration over a decade Strategic and scientific value India and the United States are set to launch their first joint Earth observation satellite, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar ( NISAR ), on July 30, 2025, at 17:40 IST. The satellite, weighing 2,392 kilograms, will be launched onboard ISRO's GSLV-F16 rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The launch vehicle will place the satellite into a 743 km sun-synchronous orbit, marking a significant milestone in international collaboration in space NISAR satellite will be the first in the world to operate a dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar, using both NASA's L-band and ISRO's S-band radars. These will be mounted on a 12-meter unfurlable mesh reflector antenna developed by NASA and integrated into ISRO's modified I3K satellite mission uses SweepSAR technology to capture wide-swath, high-resolution radar images. With a swath width of 242 kilometers and an imaging resolution of 5 to 10 meters, NISAR will revisit the same location every 12 days, providing consistent, all-weather, day-and-night radar frequency on board serves a specific purpose:The NISAR mission is a result of more than ten years of collaboration between ISRO and NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The two space agencies have worked jointly to design, develop, and test the satellite to ISRO, 'NISAR can detect even small changes in the Earth's surface such as ground deformation, ice sheet movement and vegetation dynamics.'NASA and ISRO aim to use this data to support global efforts in food security, urban development, climate change mitigation, and disaster combining resources and radar expertise, the mission is expected to benefit scientists, policymakers, and disaster-response teams worldwide. The continuous flow of data from NISAR is intended to support long-term Earth observation and environmental monitoring mission is expected to contribute long-term insights into Earth's dynamic processes, supporting better decision-making for sustainable development.
Indian Express
2 hours ago
- Indian Express
Ahead of NASA's mission, James Webb telescope finds cues of a liquid water ocean under Europa's surface
Jupiter's icy moon Europa has been one of the most promising places in our solar system to find environments suitable for life beyond Earth. In the 1960s, ground-based telescopic observations noted that Europa's surface was mostly made of water ice, with scientists speculating that the almost Earth-sized moon has a saltwater ocean that holds twice as much water as our planet. Now, new observations from the James Webb Telescope (JWST) are revealing that Europa, which was often pictured as a still, silent shell actually has an active surface. In a series of experiments conducted by Southwest Research Institute, it was found that Europa's surface ice is crystallising at different rates in different places. This suggests that the planet is currently undergoing geologic activity, with scientists labelling the ongoing cycle between the subsurface and surface as 'chaos terrains'. The study focused on two regions located in Europa's southern hemisphere – Tar Regio and Powys Regio, with the latter often referred to as one of the most intriguing areas on the moon's surface. In these locations, the James Webb Telescope found crystallised ice both on the surface and below it. The experiments were crucial for scientists to understand how the ice transforms between different states. The result of these experiments, when combined with the newly received data from the James Webb Telescope, hints that Europa's subsurface may be hiding a huge liquid ocean beneath the surface. Scientists also found some clues that Europa may have Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and hydrogen peroxide. Upon further evaluation, it was found that CO2 on Europa's surface is unstable due to the moon's radioactive environment, which suggests that these geological processes were recent. Ujjwal Raut, a program manager at the Southwest Research Institute and the co-author of the study, said that the 'data showed strong indications that what we are seeing must be sourced from the interior, perhaps from a subsurface ocean nearly 20 miles (30 kilometers) beneath Europa's thick icy shell. The evidence for a liquid ocean underneath Europa's icy shell is mounting, which makes this so exciting as we continue to learn more.' In October last year, NASA launched Europa Clipper, a spacecraft that will explore Europa to determine if its underground ocean is habitable. However, the spacecraft will first head towards Mars and take around five and a half years to reach Jupiter's icy moon.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
NASA-ISRO $1.5 billion joint satellite NISAR set for launch on July 30: What is its mission and why is ISRO spending so much on it
The countdown has begun for the launch of NISAR, a groundbreaking Earth observation satellite jointly developed by NASA and ISRO. Slated for liftoff on July 30, 2025, at 5:40 PM IST from Sriharikota, the satellite represents a landmark in Indo-US space collaboration. Weighing 2,392 kg and carrying a price tag of $1.5 billion, NISAR is the most expensive Earth observation mission ever launched. Using a first-of-its-kind dual-frequency radar system, the satellite aims to deliver detailed, high-resolution imagery of the Earth's surface every 12 days. It is designed to support scientists, disaster response teams, and policymakers worldwide. What is the mission of the NISAR NISAR, which stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, will orbit Earth in a sun-synchronous orbit, capturing global surface data consistently under identical lighting conditions. Its primary goals include: Monitoring ecosystem changes and measuring forest biomass Tracking earthquakes, landslides, and volcanic deformation Studying glacier retreat and polar ice movement Measuring soil moisture and detecting groundwater variations Generating 3D surface maps of land and ice with high precision The satellite's L-band radar from NASA and S-band radar from ISRO allow it to see through cloud cover, vegetation, and darkness, enabling round-the-clock, all-weather observations. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Resmed AirSense 11 with flat 20% off ResMed Buy Now Undo Why does NISAR cost $1.5 billion? NISAR's hefty cost stems from its technological sophistication. It carries a 12-meter deployable mesh antenna, one of the largest in Earth observation history. The satellite integrates two advanced radar systems, requiring complex hardware and software integration without mutual interference. It offers centimeter-level precision, capable of detecting subtle ground shifts and environmental changes. NASA provided the L-band radar, GPS, solid-state recorder, and antenna. ISRO developed the S-band radar, satellite bus, and launch systems, and will launch NISAR using the GSLV-F16 rocket. Why is ISRO investing over INR 788 crore? India's contribution of INR 788 crore is a strategic investment with far-reaching benefits. Disaster response: Rapid detection of earthquakes, floods, and landslides could help save lives and infrastructure. Agriculture and water management: Accurate data on soil moisture and crop health can inform drought mitigation and boost food security. Climate monitoring: Continuous tracking of forests, glaciers, and wetlands enhances climate resilience. Technological advancement: Developing and operating dual-band radar technology strengthens ISRO's future missions. Global data access: All NISAR data will be freely available worldwide, enhancing India's standing in global Earth science. The bigger picture: A symbol of international collaboration NISAR exemplifies the success of long-term technical cooperation between NASA and ISRO. It showcases a trusted partnership in cutting-edge space technology. It positions India as a global leader in Earth observation. It opens doors for future joint missions and high-tech space ventures. NISAR is more than just a satellite. It is a symbol of scientific ambition, global cooperation, and a step forward in understanding our rapidly changing planet. With unmatched capabilities and broad practical applications, it is expected to deliver insights that far exceed its financial cost. As India takes the lead in launching the mission, the world watches closely, anticipating a transformative leap in Earth science and climate preparedness.
