The NISAR mission is a groundbreaking collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA ( National Aeronautics and Space Administation ) USA. It is poised to revolutionize Earth observation with its advanced dual-band radar technology. After facing technical challenges and delays, the mission is now in its final phase of preparations, with the launch window set for 2025. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark II's second stage was flagged off to Sriharikota on April 26, 2025, signaling the commencement of advanced launch activities .

A Joint Effort for Earth Observation

The NISAR  ( NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperature Radar )  mission is designed to provide crucial data for climate research, disaster management, and infrastructure monitoring. Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a powerful imaging technique that allows high-resolution mapping, even with a radar system that has limited native resolution. 

NISAR will be the first space-based radar mission to systematically map Earth using dual radar frequencies—L-band and S-band—to detect even the tiniest shifts in the planet’s surface, down to centimeter-level changes. 

It will scan the Earth's surface every 12 days. This will enable the detection of sub-centimeter changes in landforms, ice sheets, and ecosystems, providing valuable insights into global climate change. According to NASA JPL project scientist Paul Rosen, NISAR's high-resolution data will allow each pixel to cover an area equivalent to half the size of a tennis court .The success of the NISAR mission will also pave the way for future collaborations between ISRO and NASA, further strengthening the bond between the two space agencies.

Overcoming Technical Challenges

Initially scheduled for 2024, the NISAR mission faced several delays due to technical difficulties, including overheating risks in the satellite's 12-meter radar antenna reflector. To address this, the component was sent back to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) for a reflective coating upgrade, ensuring that temperature concerns would not interfere with the satellite's performance during deployment. After rigorous retesting, the satellite was fully integrated at ISRO's Bengaluru facility by October 2024 . 

The spacecraft has since been shipped to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, where ISRO is now conducting final pre-launch checks. This step is critical to ensure that all systems function properly before the mission launch. With the GSLV now at SDSC and payload integration underway, the mission is moving forward smoothly toward its anticipated launch.

Impact on Global Earth Science

The NISAR mission is not just a technological achievement but also a proof  to the growing collaboration between India and the United States in the field of space science. The mission's data has the potential to significantly enhance our understanding of key Earth processes, including crustal deformations, glacier dynamics, and fluctuations in the carbon cycle. This could lead to more accurate models for predicting climate change and its impacts on global ecosystems. As the mission nears its launch date, the scientific community and space enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting the outcomes of this groundbreaking mission .