India’s Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully launched the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, a landmark $1.5 billion collaboration with NASA, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. This mission, launched on July 30, 2025, is a cutting-edge earth observation endeavor that aims to transform how natural disasters and environmental changes are monitored worldwide.
Weighing approximately 2,400 kilograms, NISAR is the first satellite to operate with two types of radar frequencies—a NASA-provided L-band and an ISRO-developed S-band synthetic aperture radar—which enables it to capture high-resolution images of Earth's surface regardless of weather conditions or time of day. The satellite will circle the Earth every 12 days, scanning land and ice-covered regions with centimeter-level accuracy.
NISAR’s mission revolves around precisely detecting subtle changes such as ground deformation due to earthquakes, glacial movements, flooding, landslides, and volcanic activity. It will also monitor soil moisture, forest carbon storage, and agricultural health, thereby supporting climate change research and resource management. The satellite’s data will be openly accessible to scientists, disaster management agencies, and policymakers worldwide.
ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan highlighted the global impact of the satellite, stating, “The entire globe is going to benefit from this great accomplishment. NISAR’s comprehensive data will enhance our ability to predict, prepare for, and mitigate natural disasters, ultimately saving lives and protecting communities.”
The satellite deployment phase is expected to complete within 90 days, with science operations and data collection commencing by the end of October 2025. This international collaboration marks a significant milestone in space technology and a boost for India’s role in global environmental monitoring initiatives.
With its advanced radar monitoring capabilities, NISAR represents the future of satellite-based disaster preparedness and climate resilience, providing vital information during crises including monsoons and extreme weather events.
