NISAR Mission On Track for Fall Science Operations After Successful Deployment and System Checks

Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) Earth-observing satellite, a collaborative endeavor between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is progressing as planned towards its full science operations, anticipated to commence this fall. Launched on July 30, the mission has successfully navigated critical post-launch milestones, including the deployment of its impressive 39-foot (12-meter) radar antenna reflector on August 15. This crucial step paved the way for engineers to activate both the L-band and S-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) systems, which are designed to meticulously monitor the movement of Earth’s ice and land surfaces with unparalleled precision.

Following these significant deployments, NASA and ISRO mission teams conducted comprehensive preliminary checks of the spacecraft, including its sophisticated radar payload. These assessments confirmed that all systems are operating nominally and as expected. Demonstrating further progress, the mission initiated the process of elevating the satellite to its designated operational orbit, reaching a mean altitude of 464 miles (747 kilometers), on August 26. This orbital adjustment is essential for the satellite to effectively collect and transmit its valuable scientific data.

The NISAR mission stands out as the first of its kind to incorporate two distinct SAR systems. The L-band radar, operating at a 10-inch (24-centimeter) wavelength, offers the capability to penetrate forest canopies. This feature allows it to measure critical environmental factors such as soil moisture, forest biomass, and the intricate motion of both land and ice surfaces. Complementing this, the S-band radar, with its 4-inch (10-centimeter) wavelength, exhibits greater sensitivity to smaller vegetation and is optimized for observing specific agricultural landscapes, grassland ecosystems, and moisture content within snow. Both radar systems are engineered to collect data irrespective of weather conditions, capable of penetrating clouds and precipitation, and operating continuously day and night, promising a continuous stream of vital Earth observations.