NASA and ISRO scientists are coming together to launch its synthetic aperture radar (NISAR) satellite in early 2024. The equipment is undergoing a test, such as vibration atmospheric pressure, to prepare for the space launch.
NISAR is set to launch from the ISRO’s geosynchronous satellite launch vehicles (GSLV) located at Shriharikota, Andra Pradesh, at Satish Dhawan Space Center. The project NISAR will be in operation for three years.
During this time, the satellite will observe the Earth and its atmosphere. Collected data will be shared between the space organization NASA and ISRO for further analysis.
The joint venture between NASA and ISRO will be a historic move to develop a long-term partnership in space exploration. The move is considered a step to build strong relations between the two countries. Ties will promote space exploration in the region and offer scientists more opportunities to explore our universe beyond the horizon.
What is NISAR?
NISAR is an earth-observing satellite designed to survey the earth’s lands and ice-covered surface with meticulous details. Data collected from the observation will be analyzed to create reports of the earth’s condition.
After the successful launch, the satellite will be placed in its set orbit. A 90-day satellite commissioning period will allow the scientist to test all the onboard equipment.
The satellite will be fully operational with all the onboard equipment after 90 days, and it will begin transmitting the data to the ground telescope and research centers. NISAR will offer unprecedented videos of the earth during its mission.
We will get to see the earth’s dynamic surface and interiors. Cold regions on the earth will be scanned to inspect the impact of global warming. Moreover, terrestrial ecosystems and water surfaces are marked.
Once the NISAR start publishing the data, the private and government organization can work on managing the natural resources. Hazards could be mitigated with the correct information in hand.
Scientists are working on obtaining information to understand the earth’s condition better. The effect of climate change on different regions is identified with the data. Scientists will better understand the earth’s crust and changes in the upper atmosphere.
We need the right tools to measure the earth’s changing ecosystem. The launch of the NISAR will provide the eye on the earth’s surface to check the earth’s various aspects and geo conditions.
Especially melting polar ice due to global warming is the biggest concern for humanity. Rising sea levels will be a disaster for humankind because a large number of the population on the earth resides near the sea.
Growing temperatures are causing the fastest depletion of the groundwater. Identifying those areas and taking the proper measures to preserve the groundwater will create a sustainable environment.
Once we have sufficient information, we can predict future disasters by looking at the ground condition. Regions vulnerable to natural disasters can be evacuated to a safer place.
Position of the NISAR in the Earth Orbit NISAR satellite will be placed 747 kilometers from the sea level. It will be inclined to 98.4 degrees. Additionally, the time of the nodal crossing will be 6 am and 6 pm.
As per the plan, every 12 days will have one ascending node and one descending node. NISAR will move to its set orbit, circling the earth, and keep sending the data to the ground center.
NISAR is a special mission because it is set to gather radar data using the microwave bandwidth regions. An L-band and an S-band make the NISAR scan the planet’s surface with the onboard equipment. With its powerful equipment, sensitive cameras and radar systems can detect as small as a centimeter area.
NISAR’s objectives
NISAR satellites built by a joint venture between NASA and ISRO will perform observation of the earth’s surface, the interior of the earth’s crust, oceans, and atmosphere. It will also identify the tectonic shift of the land that generally causes earthquakes and volcano eruptions.
Tectonic movement is also the reason behind the mountain building. NISAR satellites will detect the vulnerable soft spots that may cause significant damage to human life. Early identifying the area will give us sufficient time to move the people to the new regions.
Also, the species diversity due to the change of the land and availability of the resources can be identified. Danger regions are altered with the new reforms, and the global carbon cycle is maintained.
