Key Takeaways
- NASA will hold a news conference on July 21 to discuss the NISAR mission, a collaboration with ISRO aimed at Earth observation.
- The NISAR satellite will use advanced radar technology to monitor land and ice movement, aiding in disaster response.
- Launch of the satellite is scheduled for late July from ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre in India.
NASA and ISRO Launch NISAR Mission
NASA is set to host a press conference on July 21 at 12 p.m. EDT to unveil details about its upcoming NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission. This mission represents a historic collaboration between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The NISAR satellite will be equipped with an advanced radar system designed to deliver an unprecedented, three-dimensional view of Earth, monitoring land and ice surfaces with centimeter-level precision.
The mission is slated to launch from ISRO’s Satish Dhawan Space Centre on India’s southeastern coast, with a target date of late July. Viewers can watch the event live streaming on NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) channels on platforms like X, Facebook, and YouTube.
Participants in the news conference will include prominent figures from NASA’s Earth Science Division and the NISAR project management team: Nicky Fox, Karen St. Germain, Wendy Edelstein, and Paul Rosen. Media members wishing to ask questions via phone must RSVP two hours prior to the event.
NISAR will employ two radar instruments: an S-band system developed by ISRO and an L-band system provided by NASA. The synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology will enable the satellite to scan nearly all of Earth’s land and ice surfaces bi-weekly. Each radar system has specific capabilities; the S-band is particularly sensitive to larger surface features, while the L-band specializes in detecting moisture content, surface roughness, and movement.
This mission aims to enhance our understanding of natural hazards like earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and landslides. The cloud-penetrating capabilities of NISAR will also assist in rapid responses to weather-related disasters such as hurricanes and flooding. Detailed maps generated by the satellite will help monitor both gradual and sudden environmental changes.
NASA JPL manages the U.S. side of the NISAR project, while Caltech oversees its operations. Contributions from multiple ISRO centers include the S-band SAR and the spacecraft bus. The launch services will be conducted through ISRO’s own facilities, emphasizing the collaborative nature of this effort.
To explore more about the NISAR mission, visit the NISAR website.
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