NISAR Satellite Science Phase

The NISAR (NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite, a collaborative project between ISRO and NASA, has entered its science phase as of November 28, 2025. This phase follows the satellite's launch in July from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.

Mission Phases

• Launch, Deployment, Commissioning, and Science Phases:
  • The science phase commences post-commissioning and will continue throughout the satellite's five-year mission life.
  • The science orbit is maintained with regular maneuvers to minimize conflicts with science observations.
  • Extensive calibration and validation activities are scheduled during this phase.

Key Developments

• Antenna Deployment:
  • The 12-meter diameter antenna reflector, crucial for both ISRO's S-Band and NASA's L-Band SAR Payload, was successfully deployed.
  • The antenna was launched in a stowed condition on a 9m-long boom, developed by NASA.
  • The unfolding of the boom commenced on August 9 and completed by August 15.
• Regular Imaging and Calibration:
  • Since August 19, NISAR S-Band SAR has been imaging the Indian landmass and global calibration-validation sites.
  • Reference targets, such as corner reflectors, were deployed around Ahmedabad and other locations for image calibration.
  • Data from the Amazon rainforests assisted in calibrating spacecraft pointing and images.

Data Analysis and Applications

• Potential Applications:
  • Initial analysis indicates the high potential of S-Band SAR data for applications in agriculture, forestry, geosciences, hydrology, polar/Himalayan ice/snow, and oceanic studies.