Introduction
A joint mission between NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organization) to co-develop and launch a dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar (SAR) on an Earth observation satellite.
First radar imaging satellite to use two different radar frequencies (L-band and S-band) to measure changes of our planet’s surface, including movements as small as a centimeter.
Planned launch date:2024 [NASA-ISRO SAR Mission (NISAR)]
Total Cost: Estimated at US$1.5 billion, likely making it the world’s most expensive Earth-imaging satellite
Orbit: Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of 747 km (464 mi) with an inclination of 98.5 degrees
Applications
Monitor and measure some of the planet’s most complex natural processes, including:
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- Ecosystem disturbances
- Ice sheet collapse
- Natural hazards (earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, landslides)
Provide high-resolution data (5 to 10 meters) on the elevation of Earth’s land and ice masses four to six times a month
Applications of this data include:
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- Monitoring deforestation rates
- Tracking glacier movement
- Measuring land subsidence
- Mapping earthquake faults
- Managing water resources