Context:
The ‘NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar’ (NISAR) is poised to facilitate the exploration of how shifts in Earth’s forest and wetland ecosystems impact the global carbon cycle and influence climate change.
Relevance:
GS III: Science and Technology
Dimensions of the Article:
- NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)
- Mission Objectives
NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)
NISAR’s Unique Specifications
- Joint Development: Developed collaboratively by NASA and ISRO in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- Size and Weight: Approximately the size of an SUV, weighing 2,800 kilograms.
- Dual-Frequency Radar: Equipped with L-band and S-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instruments.
- Dual-Frequency Imaging: First satellite to utilize both L-band and S-band radar frequencies to monitor Earth’s surface.
- All-Weather Capability: SAR can operate in cloudy conditions and collect data day and night, regardless of weather.
Contributions
NASA and ISRO’s Involvement
- NASA’s Contributions: L-band radar, GPS, solid-state recorder, and payload data subsystem.
- ISRO’s Contributions: S-band radar, GSLV launch system, and spacecraft.
- Prominent Antenna: Features a large 39-foot stationary gold-plated wire mesh antenna reflector to focus radar signals.
Mission Objectives
Earth Monitoring
- Ecosystems and Surfaces: Measure changes in Earth’s ecosystems and dynamic surfaces.
- Ice Masses: Provide data on ice masses, aiding in the understanding of ice-related phenomena.
- Varied Applications: Offer insights into biomass, natural hazards, sea level rise, and groundwater.
Global Observations
- Regularity: Observe land and ice-covered surfaces worldwide with a 12-day cycle on ascending and descending passes.
-Source: The Hindu
