India’s scientific handshake with the world: NASA-ISRO to launch new satellite

 The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) have collaborated on their first joint Earth observation satellite mission.

The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, or NISAR, satellite, aims to provide high-resolution data that will aid scientists and policy makers alike to adequately plan for infrastructure, agriculture, and natural disasters.

The satellite is scheduled for launch on July 30, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh, India. It will be deployed into space via the Indian rocket, GSLV-F16.  

Here’s everything you need to know about the first-of-its-kind joint initiative.

Long time coming

The NISAR satellite has been a developing project over the past decade and has cost over $1.5 billion. Every 12 days, the satellite will capture images of Earth's land and ice surfaces, completing two full scans of nearly the entire planet as it orbits 14 times a day.

The satellite also celebrates many firsts for both organisations. For instance, this is the first time an ISRO's GSLV rocket is used for a satellite launch, signalling growing confidence in the organisation’s ability to fulfill space-related missions. 

Additionally, this is the first satellite to feature a dual-band radar, which increases the satellite’s capability to capture Earth’s various surfaces and provides more details on factors like moisture content, surface roughness, and motion. According to NASA, the satellite specifically has, “an L-band system with a 10-inch (25cm) wavelength and an S-band system with a 4-inch (10cm) wavelength.”

Recognition of excellence

NASA Earth’s X account highlighted the collaborative achievement, stating, “NISAR is the first time @NASA and @ISRO have built Earth science hardware together. This powerful satellite will track changes on land and ice, from areas at risk for landslides and earthquakes to shifting glaciers and ice sheets.”

India’s Minister for Science and Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh, also shared his remarks on the highly anticipated launch of the satellite, dubbing it, “India’s scientific handshake with the world.”

“This mission is not just about a satellite launch—it is a moment that symbolises what two democracies committed to science and global welfare can achieve together. NISAR will not only serve India and the United States but will also provide critical data for countries around the world, especially in areas like disaster management, agriculture, and climate monitoring,” he said. 

As the satellite is set for launch tomorrow at 5.40pm Indian Standard Time (4.10pm Gulf Standard Time), space enthusiasts can watch the live launch at NASA+, the organisation’s live streaming service.