The NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission has reached a significant milestone with the successful deployment of its 12-metre antenna reflector, officially starting its science phase. Launched aboard GSLV-F16 in July 2025, the satellite is now providing high-resolution radar data that is essential for Earth observation.
The antenna, designed by NASA, was launched in a stowed configuration on a nine-metre boom. It underwent a multi-stage unfolding sequence. Joint deployments began on 9 August 2025 and continued for five days, involving wrist, shoulder, elbow, and root mechanisms. By 15 August, the reflector assembly was fully deployed, with all systems functioning properly.
NISAR’s S-Band SAR captured its first image on 19 August 2025, showcasing the fertile Godavari River Delta. The image distinctly mapped various vegetation types, including mangroves, agricultural fields, and aquaculture zones. This demonstrated the satellite’s ability to analyze deltas, croplands, and landscape patterns with remarkable precision.
Calibration activities involved placing reference targets near Ahmedabad and other strategic locations. Additional datasets from the Amazon rainforests were utilized to enhance spacecraft pointing and fine-tune acquisition parameters. These measures improved the quality of both S-Band and L-Band datasets, facilitating reliable scientific analysis across India and global validation sites.
Initial analyses highlight NISAR’s data potential across various fields, including agriculture, forestry, hydrology, geosciences, polar studies, and oceanographic research. Regular imaging of the Indian landmass, along with global calibration sites, positions the mission to support climate monitoring, disaster management, and resource assessment through consistent, high-resolution radar observations.
Q1. What is the main objective of the NISAR mission?
Answer: The NISAR mission aims to provide high-resolution radar data for Earth observation, supporting applications in agriculture, forestry, and climate monitoring.
Q2. When was the NISAR satellite launched?
Answer: The NISAR satellite was launched aboard the GSLV-F16 rocket in July 2025.
Q3. What significant feature does the NISAR mission include?
Answer: NISAR features a dual-frequency SAR payload, incorporating both ISRO’s S-Band and NASA’s L-Band for comprehensive data collection.
Q4. Where did NISAR capture its first image?
Answer: NISAR captured its first S-Band SAR image of the Godavari River Delta on 19 August 2025.
Q5. How does NISAR contribute to climate monitoring?
Answer: NISAR supports climate monitoring by providing consistent high-resolution radar observations, helping in resource assessment and disaster management.
Question 1: What does NISAR stand for?
A) National Indian Satellite for Advanced Research
B) NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar
C) New Indian Space and Aeronautics Research
D) National Institute for Satellite Applications and Research
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: When was the first image from NISAR captured?
A) 19 July 2025
B) 15 August 2025
C) 19 August 2025
D) 1 September 2025
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: Which two frequencies does NISAR utilize for its radar payloads?
A) X-Band and C-Band
B) S-Band and L-Band
C) K-Band and V-Band
D) A-Band and B-Band
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Where was NISAR launched from?
A) ISRO Space Center
B) Kennedy Space Center
C) GSLV-F16
D) NASA Launch Complex 39A
Correct Answer: C
Question 5: What is one of the key applications of NISAR data?
A) Urban development
B) Climate monitoring
C) Historical research
D) Space exploration
Correct Answer: B
Question 6: Which river delta was showcased in NISAR's first image?
A) Ganges Delta
B) Nile Delta
C) Godavari Delta
D) Mississippi Delta
Correct Answer: C
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