NISAR Mission Enters Critical 90-Day Commissioning Phase
The historic NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission has now entered its crucial 90-day commissioning phase following its successful launch on July 30, 2025, aboard the GSLV-F16 rocket from Sriharikota, India. This key phase is essential to prepare the satellite for its full-scale Earth observation operations.
What Happens During the Commissioning Phase?
During the commissioning phase, scientists and engineers from ISRO and NASA conduct extensive in-orbit checks, calibrations, and orbital maneuvers to ensure all satellite
subsystems and payloads function optimally. The key activities include:
Raising the satellite's initial orbit altitude from around 737 km to the operational altitude of 747 km over approximately 45-50 days.
Deploying and verifying the complex 12-meter diameter radar reflector attached on a 9-meter deployable boom.
Activating, calibrating, and testing the dual-band (L-band and S-band) Synthetic Aperture Radar instruments that provide unprecedented Earth surface imaging capabilities with a 5m by 5m resolution every 12 days.
Conducting initial engineering payload checkouts and confirming satellite communications, power, and data handling systems.
This meticulous process ensures readiness for the science operations phase, when NISAR will begin collecting and delivering global radar imaging data for applications such as land deformation monitoring, ecosystem study, ice and ocean observations, disaster management, and infrastructure tracking.
Significance of the NISAR Mission
NISAR is the first-ever joint Earth observation satellite jointly developed by ISRO and NASA, designed to simultaneously capture comprehensive surface and subsurface images using advanced radar technology. Its dual-frequency system uniquely allows penetrating vegetation and soil layers alongside surface imaging, providing valuable data for scientific and societal benefits globally.
Collaboration and Mutual Learning
NASA and ISRO’s cooperation on NISAR involves shared responsibilities: ISRO leads spacecraft development, launch, and mission control, while NASA contributes critical payload components, orbital planning, and data processing. This mission exemplifies international partnership and mutual learning in advancing space science for societal good.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About NISAR Mission's Commissioning Phase
Q1: What is the NISAR mission?
NISAR is a collaborative Earth observation satellite developed by NASA and ISRO that uses dual-band radar systems to monitor changes on Earth’s surface and subsurface with high resolution.
Q2: When was NISAR launched?
NISAR was launched successfully on July 30, 2025, from Sriharikota aboard the GSLV-F16 launch vehicle.
Q3: What is the commissioning phase in satellite missions?
The commissioning phase is a post-launch period of about 90 days during which the satellite undergoes testing, calibration, orbit adjustments, and validation before starting regular science operations.
Q4: What key activities are done during NISAR’s commissioning?
Activities include orbit raising from 737 km to 747 km altitude, deploying the large radar reflector, testing the L-band and S-band radars, and validating satellite systems.
Q5: How often will NISAR image the Earth once operational?
NISAR will image all land, ice, and selected ocean areas every 12 days at a 5-meter resolution.
Q6: Why is NISAR important?
NISAR provides valuable data to monitor natural hazards, land and ice deformation, ecosystem changes, and supports disaster response and infrastructure monitoring globally, enhancing scientific understanding and societal benefits.
Published on: August 1, , 2025
Published by: PAVAN
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