Key Takeaways
- NISAR satellite, a joint NASA-ISRO mission, has officially begun its science operations phase.
- The satellite will provide all-weather, day-and-night Earth observation data for five years.
- Its 12-meter antenna, successfully deployed post-launch, is crucial for advanced radar imaging.
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite has officially entered its science operations phase, the Indian Space Research Organisation announced on November 28, 2025. This marks the final and most crucial stage of the mission, which will last for its planned five-year lifespan.
NISAR is the first satellite jointly developed by ISRO and NASA. It provides continuous, all-weather, day-and-night data with a wide range of applications.
Mission Phases and Operations
The NISAR mission progresses through distinct phases: launch, deployment, commissioning, and finally, science operations. ISRO stated that during this science phase, the satellite’s orbit will be maintained via regular maneuvers designed to avoid conflicts with data collection. Extensive calibration and validation activities are also planned.
Antenna Deployment and Calibration
Following its July 30 launch from Sriharikota, the satellite’s critical 12-meter diameter antenna reflector was successfully deployed. This antenna, developed by NASA, was launched in a stowed position on a 9-meter boom. Its unfolding process began on August 9 and was completed over five days, with the reflector assembly fully deployed by August 15.
Since the first data acquisition on August 19, the NISAR S-Band SAR has been regularly imaging the Indian landmass and global calibration sites. The space agency deployed reference targets around Ahmedabad and other Indian locations for image calibration. Data from the Amazon rainforests was also used to fine-tune the spacecraft’s pointing and imaging systems, resulting in high-quality data.
“Initial analysis by scientists and engineers revealed the potential of S-Band SAR data for various targeted science and application areas like agriculture, forestry, geo-sciences, hydrology, polar/Himalayan ice/snow, and oceanic studies,” ISRO added.
