NISAR Satellite Launch

In a groundbreaking event, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the NISAR satellite, a collaborative project between India and the United States, marking a significant milestone in Earth observation technology.

Key Features of NISAR Satellite

• Joint Development: A collaborative effort of over a decade by ISRO and NASA.
• Unique Design: Equipped with two Synthetic Aperture Radars (SARs) of differing frequencies to capture detailed Earth images.
• Innovative Use of Technology: First satellite with dual SARs, utilizing non-visible microwave radiation for imaging.

Launch Details

• Vehicle: Launched using a GSLV rocket from Sriharikota.
• Orbit: Placed into Sun Synchronous Polar Orbit (SSPO) 747 km from Earth.
• Significance: First mission to SSPO using GSLV; previously accessed by PSLV rockets.
• Weight: NISAR is the heaviest Earth observation satellite at 2,392 kg.

Mission Objectives and Applications

• Earth Observation: High-resolution images for climate change research, disaster management, agriculture, forestry, and urban planning.
• Global Mapping: Maps the entire globe every 12 days, aiding in disaster prediction and climate change studies.

Mission Lifespan

• Duration: The mission life of the NISAR satellite is projected to be five years.