NASA-ISRO SYNTHETIC APERTURE RADAR (NISAR) (TOI)

  • 29 Oct 2023

What is the News ?

The 'NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar' (NISAR) is set to enable the investigation of how changes in Earth's forest and wetland ecosystems affect the worldwide carbon cycle and exert an influence on climate change.

Facts About:

  • NASA and ISRO collaborated to develop the Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory known as NISAR.

            It's about the size of an SUV and weighs 2,800 kilograms.

  • It is a dual-frequency imaging radar satellite, having both L-band and S-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instruments.
  • The first satellite mission to measure variations in the surface of our planet will be NISAR, which will use two distinct radar frequencies (L-band and S-band).

            No matter the weather, SAR can gather data day or night and penetrate clouds to gather information.

  • NASA has contributed GPS, an L-band radar, a payload data subsystem, and a high-capacity solid-state recorder for data storage.

            ISRO on the other hand supplied the S-band radar, as well as the GSLV launch system and spacecraft.

  • Additionally, it has a sizable 39-foot stationary antenna reflector with an upward-facing feed on the instrument structure that will be used to focus "the radar signals emitted and received."

            The reflector is constructed of gold-plated wire mesh.

  • The mission's objectives are to measure the dynamic surfaces, ice masses, and changing ecosystems of Earth in order to gather data on groundwater, biomass, natural hazards, and sea level rise.
  • NISAR is going to perform global 12-day regular observations of Earth's land and ice-covered surfaces during ascending and descending passes.