NASA-ISRO Radar Satellite to Launch in June

NASA-ISRO Radar Satellite to Launch in June

Why in the News ?

ISRO Chief Dr. V. Narayanan announced that the NASA-ISRO radar satellite (NISAR) will be launched next month, along with updates on the G20 climate satellite, RA-SAT launch, and Gaganyatri ISS mission, highlighting India’s growing space collaborations and ambitions.

NASA-ISRO Radar Satellite to Launch in June

Key Announcements by ISRO Chief :

  • ISRO chairman V. Narayanan revealed that the NASA-ISRO SAR satellite will likely launch next month.
  • The satellite includes two major payloads – one made by India, the other by the United States.
  • It is a microwave remote sensing satellite aimed at monitoring Earth’s surface changes, particularly environmental and disaster-related data.
  • On May 18, ISRO will launch RA-SAT, a C-band synthetic radar satellite, using the PSLV rocket.

India’s G20 Climate Satellite Initiative

  • During India’s G20 Presidency, PM Narendra Modi proposed a G20 satellite to monitor climate-related activities.
  • The satellite will carry 50% payload from India, with the rest from G20 partner countries.
  • It will be launched on an Indian launch vehicle and its data shared among G20 nations for collective climate action.

Gaganyatri and Academic Highlights:

  • The Gaganyatri mission will send Indian astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) next month to gain practical experience.
  • At the 5th Convocation of Central Agriculture University, 1,500+ students received degrees.
  • Gold medals were awarded to 33 UG and 20 PG students, and 9 PhD scholars received the Akoijam Udhab Singh Memorial Award.

About the NISAR Mission – Key Points

●     NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a joint Earth observation mission by NASA and ISRO, formalized in 2014.

●     Scheduled for launch in June 2025 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre using GSLV Mk II.

●     First radar-based Earth monitoring collaboration between India and the U.S.

●     Will map the entire Earth’s surface every 12 days.

●     Tracks ecosystem shifts, ice dynamics, sea level rise, vegetation, and natural hazards.

●     Radar payload captures surface and geophysical changes.

●     12-metre wire mesh reflector enhances imaging.

●     Features gold thermal blankets, spacecraft bus for power, communication, and control.