Countdown on for NISAR satellite launch today, a joint NASA-ISRO mission
The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite mission is set for launch today from Sriharikota. The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) will carry the 2,392-kg satellite into a 743-km sun-synchronous orbit. NISAR is the first joint satellite mission between NASA and ISRO, designed to scan the entire globe, providing all-weather, day-and-night data at 12-day intervals for a wide range of applications. Officials from both agencies highlighted the strengthened relationship and joint learning achieved during the challenging process of building the satellite across continents amidst a global pandemic.
Key Points
- The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite is scheduled for launch today.
- The GSLV-F16 rocket will launch the 2,392-kg satellite into a 743-km sun-synchronous orbit.
- NISAR is the first joint satellite mission between NASA and ISRO.
- The satellite is designed to provide all-weather, day-and-night data of the entire globe at 12-day intervals.
- The collaboration has strengthened ties and fostered joint learning between the two space agencies.
Exam Facts
- NISAR stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar.
- The satellite weighs 2,392-kg.
- It will be launched by the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F16).
- It will be placed into a 743-km sun-synchronous orbit.
- NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) built the L-band radar and the mission's radar reflector and boom.
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