The joint Indo-US space mission NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is finally set to launch in June 2025, marking a significant milestone in international space collaboration. Designed to monitor and understand the Earth’s dynamic ecosystems, ice sheets, and crustal movements with unprecedented detail, the mission has been described as one of the most ambitious Earth observation projects of the decade.
NISAR is a collaborative venture between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The mission brings together India’s prowess in space systems and NASA’s radar technology, combining the best of both nations to create a satellite that will benefit the entire world.
A Partnership Years in the Making
Originally proposed in 2014, the NISAR mission has faced multiple delays due to technical setbacks, pandemic-related disruptions, and logistical challenges. However, with hardware integration completed and testing in advanced stages, both agencies are now on track for a mid-2025 launch.
According to sources within ISRO and NASA, the spacecraft is expected to lift off aboard India’s GSLV Mk II rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. If all goes as planned, NISAR will be placed into a near-polar, sun-synchronous orbit, from where it will begin its ambitious task of scanning Earth’s surface in high detail every 12 days.
What Makes NISAR Special?
At the heart of the mission lies a powerful radar system that uses dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar (SAR)—one operating in the L-band (built by NASA) and the other in the S-band (built by ISRO). This dual radar capability makes NISAR the first satellite of its kind, enabling it to measure changes as small as a few millimeters across a wide range of terrains and environments.
The satellite will be able to capture data on:
- Glacier and ice sheet dynamics in the Arctic and Antarctic
- Forest biomass and deforestation tracking
- Soil moisture and agricultural changes
- Landslides, earthquakes, and crustal deformations
This information is vital not only for climate change research but also for disaster response and natural resource management.
A Symbol of Global Cooperation
NISAR stands as a beacon of India-US scientific collaboration. It demonstrates how geopolitical partnerships can translate into impactful technological achievements. The total cost of the mission is estimated at around $1.5 billion, making it one of the most expensive Earth-observation satellites to date.
NASA has contributed the L-band radar, a high-capacity solid-state recorder, and a payload data subsystem, while ISRO has provided the satellite bus, the S-band radar, the launch vehicle, and launch services.
Dr. S. Somanath, Chairman of ISRO, recently emphasized the mission’s potential, saying, “NISAR will not only elevate India’s satellite capabilities but also contribute to global climate and disaster resilience. This is a proud moment for both nations.”
Eyes on Environmental Change
With climate concerns at the forefront of global policy, the NISAR mission could play a key role in informing decision-makers with reliable, high-resolution data. The satellite is expected to operate for at least three years, providing a continuous stream of data that will be made freely available to researchers, governments, and institutions around the world.
Dr. Karen St. Germain, Director of NASA’s Earth Science Division, echoed these sentiments: “This mission will revolutionize our understanding of how the planet is changing—and give communities the tools to adapt and respond.”
Looking Ahead
The final integration of the satellite systems has been completed at ISRO’s U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bengaluru. With pre-launch checks scheduled through April and May, the mission is approaching its final countdown.
As the world watches, the upcoming launch of NISAR promises not only scientific breakthroughs but also a reaffirmation of what global cooperation in space can achieve. In an age where Earth’s future is under intense scrutiny, this satellite will provide the eyes we need in the sky to navigate the planet’s complex and ever-changing landscape.