In a significant leap for global Earth observation efforts, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite on July 30 using its indigenously developed GSLV-F16 rocket. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan confirmed the launch, which will take place from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
Weighing 2,392 kilograms, NISAR is a first-of-its-kind satellite designed to map the Earth in unprecedented detail using dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology—combining NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band radars. It will utilize NASA’s 12-meter unfurlable mesh reflector antenna, mounted on ISRO’s enhanced 13k satellite bus.
With a 242 km swath and high spatial resolution enabled by SweepSAR technology, NISAR will capture 24×7 images of Earth in all weather conditions. Its mission includes monitoring climate change, detecting landslides, aiding in disaster management, and tracking changes in Earth’s natural resources, benefitting not only India and the US but also the entire world.
ISRO officials emphasized the critical role of this satellite in improving environmental understanding and international scientific cooperation.
Speaking to the media, Narayanan also announced that ISRO will launch a humanoid robot named Vyommitra into space this December as part of its preparations for India’s Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. Two additional uncrewed missions are slated for next year, leading up to the manned Gaganyaan mission launch in March 2027, as envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
