NASA and ISRO join forces to predict natural disasters with new satellite

In a groundbreaking collaboration, NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are set to launch the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite into orbit. This innovative satellite, scheduled to lift off at 8:10 a.m. on a yet-undetermined date, will serve as a crucial tool for scientists aiming to predict natural disasters, including wildfires, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and landslides. NISAR is designed with a unique dual-frequency radar system that operates in both L-band and S-band, allowing it to detect minute changes in the Earth's surface, even less than half an inch. This capability is essential for creating detailed 3D images for research purposes and enhances our understanding of land and ice transformations that could lead to catastrophic events. The mission represents the first of its kind where NASA and ISRO collaborate on a project, pooling their expertise and resources to advance Earth science. The radar technology aboard NISAR is notable; the L-band radar provided by NASA can penetrate foliage and reveal the bare Earth surface and some sub-surface structures, while the S-band radar from ISRO focuses on surface features and vegetation. This complementary functionality significantly enhances the satellite's ability to monitor and analyze changes over time. By revisiting each location every 12 days, NISAR will provide a wealth of data to researchers eager to study the dynamic processes affecting our planet's stability. With a mission duration planned for three years, this satellite aims to collect enough data daily to fill about 150 512-gigabyte hard drives, making it one of the most ambitious projects undertaken in Earth observation. Karen St. Germain, director of the Earth Science Division at NASA, emphasizes the practical implications of NISAR’s data collections. The satellite’s observations will support decision-making processes to ensure food security and building resilience against natural hazards in response to changing climate conditions. Researchers will also leverage NISAR to assess human-induced modifications to the land, including the impacts of agriculture, water management systems, urban development, and infrastructural projects. Thus, this mission not only strives to enhance our predictive capabilities regarding natural disasters but also aims to cultivate a broader understanding of environmental challenges posed by climate change. In conclusion, the NISAR mission is a pivotal step towards extending our knowledge concerning Earth’s physical attributes and behaviors. Its dual radar technology promises to facilitate unprecedented monitoring of natural landscape changes, aiding in disaster preparedness and response strategies while also transforming our approach to climate research and environmental management. This $1.3 billion endeavor highlights the vital collaboration between NASA and ISRO in addressing significant global challenges through advanced science and technology.