New NASA-ISRO satellite ‘NISAR’ to revolutionise Earth monitoring, disaster preparedness

New NASA-ISRO satellite ‘NISAR’ to revolutionise Earth monitoring, disaster preparedness

Sub : Sci

Sec: Space tech

NISAR Mission:

• The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission, a joint initiative by NASA and ISRO, represents a significant leap in Earth observation capabilities.
• It aims to monitor changes in the Earth’s surface with unmatched precision, benefiting fields such as disaster response, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure stability.
• Slated for launch in early 2025 from India’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre, NISAR is expected to transform our understanding of dynamic Earth processes.

Key Features of NISAR:

1. Dual Radar System:
   • L-band radar (NASA): Offers deep penetration capabilities, able to see through dense vegetation. It excels in tracking subtle ground motions, essential for monitoring fault lines, volcanic regions, and infrastructure.
   • S-band radar (ISRO): Complements the L-band radar, focusing on shorter-wavelength observations. Together, these radars provide comprehensive, all-weather, day-and-night data collection.
2. Precision and Coverage:
   • NISAR will be capable of measuring shifts in Earth’s surface down to fractions of an inch, a level of precision vital for tracking phenomena like earthquakes, landslides, and glacier movements.
   • The satellite will observe changes in nearly all of the planet’s land and ice-covered surfaces every 12 days, offering a continuous, detailed view of Earth’s dynamics.

Applications and Benefits:

1. Disaster Preparedness and Response:
   • Seismic Monitoring: By detecting subtle horizontal and vertical movements along fault lines, NISAR can help scientists identify areas of potential seismic activity. It won’t predict earthquakes but can reveal which parts of a fault line are moving and which are locked, helping prioritize risk assessments.
   • Landslides and Volcanic Activity: NISAR will track ground deformation that often precedes landslides or volcanic eruptions, enabling early warnings and better hazard management.
   • Himalayan Region Focus: In earthquake-prone areas like the Himalayas, the satellite will provide unprecedented data on seismic risks, enhancing safety measures and preparedness strategies.
2. Environmental and Climate Monitoring:
   • Ice Sheets and Glaciers: NISAR will measure changes in ice sheets, glaciers, and sea ice, contributing valuable data on the effects of climate change and sea-level rise.
   • Vegetation and Land Use: The radar capabilities can monitor changes in forests, wetlands, and agricultural areas, providing insights for conservation and sustainable land management.
3. Infrastructure Stability:
   • NISAR’s precise measurements will help assess the structural integrity of critical infrastructure like levees, aqueducts, and dams. By detecting early signs of ground shifts, it allows for targeted inspections and timely maintenance, reducing costs and preventing potential failures.
   • In disaster scenarios, such as earthquakes, the data will help identify compromised structures quickly, aiding in efficient response and recovery efforts.

Launch and Operational Details:

• NISAR will be launched aboard ISRO’s GSLV Mark II rocket into a low Earth orbit.
• The spacecraft is being developed jointly, with NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) responsible for the high-tech radar instruments and ISRO’s U R Rao Satellite Centre providing the spacecraft bus and launch services.

Testing and Readiness:

• In 2023, the satellite successfully underwent rigorous testing, including exposure to a thermal vacuum chamber in Bengaluru, India. These tests simulated harsh space conditions, demonstrating NISAR’s durability and operational readiness.

Significance of the NISAR Mission:

• The NISAR mission exemplifies the power of international collaboration in tackling global challenges. By combining the expertise of NASA and ISRO, the mission will provide comprehensive, high-resolution data, enhancing our ability to respond to natural disasters, understand climate change, and safeguard vital infrastructure. The insights gained from NISAR will be invaluable for both scientific research and practical applications, paving the way for more resilient and informed global communities.
• NISAR’s ability to track subtle surface movements across the entire planet will offer a more complete picture of Earth’s processes, from seismic shifts to environmental changes, driving advancements in disaster preparedness and climate science.

Source: DTE