NASA and India to Launch Earth-Observing Satellite in 2024
NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) are putting the finishing touches on a new Earth-observing satellite called the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR). The satellite is scheduled to launch in 2024 and will provide scientists with unprecedented views of our planet's land and ice surfaces.
NISAR will use radar to create images of Earth's surface day and night, regardless of weather conditions. The satellite will carry two radar systems: an L-band radar provided by NASA and an S-band radar provided by ISRO. The two radar systems will work together to provide detailed images of Earth's surface with a resolution of just a few meters.
NISAR's primary goal is to track how Earth's land and ice surfaces change over time. The satellite will be able to monitor changes in forest cover, glacier melt, and sea ice extent. NISAR will also be able to track movements of the Earth's surface caused by earthquakes and volcanoes.
NISAR is a collaborative mission between NASA and ISRO, and is the first time that the two space agencies have worked together to develop the hardware for an Earth-observing mission. The mission is expected to provide scientists with a wealth of new data about our planet and how it is changing.
Here are some of the specific ways that NISAR will be used to study Earth:
- Forest monitoring: NISAR will be able to track changes in forest cover, including deforestation, afforestation, and forest degradation. This information will be used to help manage forests and mitigate climate change.
- Glacier monitoring: NISAR will be able to track the rate of glacier melt, which is a key indicator of climate change. This information will be used to assess the risks of sea level rise and other impacts of climate change.
- Sea ice monitoring: NISAR will be able to track the extent and thickness of sea ice, which is important for understanding climate change and Arctic shipping.
- Earthquake and volcano monitoring: NISAR will be able to track movements of the Earth's surface caused by earthquakes and volcanoes. This information will be used to improve early warning systems and reduce the risks of natural disasters.
NISAR is a groundbreaking mission that will provide scientists with new and powerful tools for studying Earth. The satellite is expected to have a major impact on our understanding of how our planet is changing and how we can best manage its resources.