India-US Space Synergy Reaches New Heights: NISAR Satellite to Transform Global Earth Monitoring

NEW DELHI:
In a significant step towards international space cooperation, the much-anticipated NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite is poised for launch, symbolising India’s growing stature in the global scientific arena. Terming it as “India’s scientific handshake with the world,” Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh said the landmark Earth observation mission showcases the collaborative strength between the world’s oldest democracy – the United States, and the world’s largest democracy – India.

Addressing the media on the eve of the July 30 launch from Sriharikota, Dr Singh hailed NISAR as a technological marvel and a global game changer in climate and disaster management. Developed at a joint cost exceeding $1.5 billion, NISAR is India’s most expensive satellite mission to date and represents a decade-long Indo-US endeavour in advanced satellite engineering.

“NISAR is not just about imaging the Earth, it is about empowering the world with knowledge and foresight,” remarked Dr Singh, highlighting the satellite’s vast potential in monitoring climate change, natural disasters, agriculture, and soil health.

With ISRO responsible for satellite command and operations and NASA managing radar systems and orbital manoeuvres, the collaboration marks the first major joint Earth observation initiative between the two agencies. Data from the mission will be shared globally – freely accessible within 1–2 days, and in near real-time during emergencies, thereby bolstering scientific efforts and disaster readiness worldwide.

The 2,392-kg satellite, equipped with NASA’s L-band SAR and ISRO’s S-band SAR, is mounted on a 12-metre deployable antenna. Its advanced Sweep SAR technology will enable high-resolution, all-weather