Sriharikota, India — July 30, 2025 — In a significant milestone for international space collaboration and Earth observation, India has successfully launched the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite — the world’s first dual-frequency radar imaging satellite dedicated to observing Earth’s land and ice surfaces in unprecedented detail.
Jointly developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the satellite was lifted into orbit aboard an Indian GSLV rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota early Tuesday morning.
A Global Earth-Monitoring Mission
Designed to map changes in Earth’s surface with high precision, NISAR will use advanced L-band and S-band radar systems to monitor a wide range of environmental changes — from ice sheet dynamics in the polar regions to shifts in forest cover, wetlands, agricultural patterns, and earthquake-prone zones.
“Today marks a proud moment for India and our global partners in science,” said ISRO Chairman S. Somanath after the successful launch. “NISAR represents not just technological achievement but a shared commitment to understanding and protecting our planet.”
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson hailed the launch as “a triumph of international cooperation,” emphasizing that the data gathered will help improve global models of climate change, sea level rise, and natural disasters.
A Decade in the Making
NISAR is the result of over a decade of collaboration between NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and ISRO. The satellite’s L-band radar was developed by NASA, while ISRO contributed the S-band radar, the spacecraft bus, and the launch vehicle.
The satellite will orbit Earth every 12 days and collect massive volumes of data over its expected mission lifespan of three to five years. It is equipped to scan Earth’s entire landmass and many coastal and polar regions with unmatched resolution and consistency.
Strategic and Scientific Value
NISAR is poised to aid scientists and policymakers alike. Its applications extend to:
Monitoring glacier melt and ice sheet collapse Detecting groundwater depletion and land subsidence Mapping deforestation and biomass changes Tracking post-disaster recovery after earthquakes and floods
Beyond research, NISAR is expected to assist governments in improving disaster preparedness, managing water resources, and ensuring food security through better agricultural monitoring.
Looking Ahead
With the launch of NISAR, India and the United States have reinforced their partnership in space science and sustainability. The satellite now begins a phase of calibration and testing before starting operational observations in early 2026.
As the world faces increasing climate and environmental challenges, NISAR stands as a beacon of scientific unity, bringing together innovation, data, and diplomacy for the common good.
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