Latest news with #PolarSatelliteLaunchVehicles
News18
30-07-2025
- Science
- News18
ISRO-NASA's Earth-Observing Satellite 'NISAR' Lifts Off From Sriharikota
Last Updated: The Earth observation satellite was launched aboard the GSLV-F16 rocket from the second launch pad at 5:40 pm IST In a major step forward in India–US space collaboration, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite successfully lifted off from Sriharikota on Wednesday. The Earth observation satellite, jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), was launched aboard the GSLV-F16 rocket from the second launch pad at 5:40 pm IST. The launch marked a significant moment in space science and diplomacy, with NISAR aiming to provide high-resolution data on changes in the Earth's land, ice, and oceans. Weighing 2,393 kg, NISAR will operate in a Sun-synchronous polar orbit and use dual-frequency radar systems to study natural processes such as glacier movements, deforestation, coastline changes, and earthquakes. The satellite is expected to help scientists monitor climate change, disaster response, and agriculture patterns across the globe. This is the first time a GSLV rocket has carried a satellite into a Sun-synchronous orbit, typically handled by Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLVs). ISRO said this mission was the result of over a decade of collaboration, involving the exchange of technology, hardware, and expertise between the two space agencies. The NISAR satellite is equipped with two radar bands: L-Band provided by NASA and S-Band developed by ISRO. Together, these enable the use of SweepSAR technology, allowing the satellite to produce high-resolution images every 12 days, covering land, ice, and ocean surfaces. Following the successful launch, the mission now enters its commissioning phase. ISRO had said the first 90 days will be dedicated to In-Orbit Checkout, during which the systems onboard the satellite will be tested and prepared for science operations. ISRO built the spacecraft and launch system, while NASA provided critical instruments including the L-band radar, high-speed data link, and GPS receiver. NASA will also support orbit manoeuvres and radar operations, while both agencies will operate ground stations to receive and process the satellite data. NISAR is the 18th flight of a GSLV rocket and the 12th using an indigenous cryogenic upper stage. It is also the 102nd launch from Sriharikota. The mission is expected to have an operational life of five years. ISRO said NISAR would serve as a valuable resource for the global scientific community, offering detailed insights into Earth's dynamic systems. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
HAL bags Rs 511 crore deal to acquire ISRO's SSLV rocket tech
Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) has emerged as the winning bidder for the transfer of Indian Space Research Organisation's (ISRO) small satellite launch vehicle (SSLV) technology, marking one of the most significant technology transfers from the space agency to a commercial entity. The deal is worth Rs 511 crore. Under the agreement, HAL will independently build, own, and operate SSLV rockets, with ISRO providing training and handholding for two missions over the next two years, the space regulator and promoter, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe), announced on Friday. Among the three bidders, the public sector undertaking (PSU) HAL's standalone bid beat the Adani-backed Alpha Design Technologies consortium, comprising Agnikul Cosmos and Walchand Industries. The second consortium was led by Bharat Dynamics along with Skyroot Aerospace, Keltron, and BHEL to win the ₹511-crore tender. 'This is one of the first instances of a space agency transferring complete launch vehicle technology to a company. Under this transfer agreement, HAL will have the capability to independently build, own, and commercialise SSLV launches,' said Pawan Goenka, Chairman, IN-SPACe. HAL aims to manufacture 6-8 SSLV rockets per year, depending on demand, and is expected to generate about $6.5 million in revenue per launch. SSLV is a three-stage, solid-propulsion rocket by ISRO to launch small satellites of about 500 kg into a 500 km orbit. It's designed to be cost-effective and flexible, offering launch-on-demand capabilities with reduced turnaround times. 'The system is multidisciplinary in nature and will require rigorous training of HAL personnel at both ISRO and HAL sites,' said Rajeev Jyoti, director, technical directorate at IN-SPACe. Discover the stories of your interest Blockchain 5 Stories Cyber-safety 7 Stories Fintech 9 Stories E-comm 9 Stories ML 8 Stories Edtech 6 Stories IN-SPACe added that a rigorous eligibility and evaluation framework was followed. 'The process, which continued for several months, culminated in the financial bid evaluation, where HAL emerged as the highest bidder to acquire and operationalise SSLV technology ,' it said in a statement. The SSLV technology transfer will be formalised through an agreement involving HAL, ISRO, NewSpace India Ltd (NSIL) and IN-SPACe. HAL's director finance Barenya Senapati said winning the bid was in line with HAL's larger goal of entering the space sector in a bigger way than it has been doing in the past. He added that the new portfolio will not affect its current operations. HAL and Larsen & Toubro (L&T) are already jointly building ISRO's trusted Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLV) rockets under a contract with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL). The contract for five PSLV rockets is worth Rs 860 crore, that is, each PSLV rocket costs approximately Rs 172 crore to build. Following the announcement of the winning bid, shares of HAL settled 1.18% higher at Rs 4,960 on Friday.
