NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are poised to mark a significant milestone in space exploration with the impending launch of the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite. This collaborative satellite is set to launch on July 30th at 8:10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), which corresponds to 5:40 p.m. Indian Standard Time (IST), from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, strategically situated on India’s southeastern coastline.
This mission represents a pioneering endeavor between NASA and ISRO, aiming to provide unprecedented insights into Earth’s land and ice dynamics. NISAR will be launched aboard ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle, embarking on an ambitious mission to scan nearly all of Earth’s land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days. This frequency of observation will enable scientists to gather crucial data about the planet’s changing surface.
For those eager to witness this historic event, NASA is offering live coverage of the launch through various platforms, including NASA+, NASA’s official YouTube channel, and other social media channels. These platforms will provide comprehensive coverage of the launch, allowing viewers worldwide to be part of this significant achievement in space exploration.
The NISAR mission is equipped with two advanced radar systems: an S-band system provided by ISRO and an L-band system contributed by NASA. Together, these instruments will collect high-resolution data essential for monitoring major infrastructure, agricultural fields, and the movement of land and ice surfaces. This data will be invaluable to decision-makers, communities, and scientists worldwide, aiding in the management of natural resources and response strategies for natural disasters.
This mission is not only a technological marvel but also a testament to the deepening cooperation between the United States and India in the realm of space exploration. During a significant meeting in Washington, D.C., this mission was hailed by both President Trump and Prime Minister Modi as a crucial component of the growing civil space cooperation between the two nations. The data and insights derived from NISAR will play a critical role in areas such as agriculture and disaster preparedness, including responses to natural events like hurricanes, floods, and volcanic eruptions.
NASA’s Mission Coverage Schedule
For those interested in following the entire mission timeline, NASA has laid out a detailed schedule for mission coverage. All times are provided in Eastern Daylight Time and are subject to change based on real-time operations.
Monday, July 28
12 p.m. – A prelaunch teleconference will be held featuring several key participants:
- Karen St. Germain, Director of Earth Science at NASA Headquarters
- Gerald Bawden, NISAR Program Scientist at NASA Headquarters
- Shanna McClain, Disasters Program Manager at NASA Headquarters
- Phil Barela, NISAR Project Manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL)
- Marco Lavalle, NISAR Deputy Project Scientist at NASA JPL
This teleconference will be streamed live on JPL’s YouTube Channel, offering an opportunity for media representatives to ask questions via phone. Interested media must register by providing their name and affiliation by 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 27. Questions can also be submitted via social media using the hashtag #AskNISAR.
Wednesday, July 30
7 a.m. – Launch coverage will commence on NASA+ and YouTube, providing viewers with a front-row seat to the launch events. The broadcast will originate from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Southern California, where the U.S. segment of the mission is managed.
For continuous updates and insights, viewers can follow the launch events on NASA’s NISAR blog.
Engaging with NASA on Social Media
To stay connected and engage with the mission on social media, follow these accounts:
X
- @NASA
- @NASAEarth
- @NASAJPL
Facebook
- NASA
- NASA Earth
- NASA JPL
Instagram
- @NASA
- @NASAEarth
- @NASAJPL
Additional Resources
For those seeking a deeper understanding of the mission, the NISAR press kit provides in-depth insights into the mission’s scientific and technological aspects. Additionally, a collection of NISAR videos and animations and b-roll media reel are available for exploration.
The NISAR mission, being the first joint satellite mission between NASA and ISRO, sets a new precedent in international collaboration in space exploration. This launch builds on a legacy of successful programs, such as Chandrayaan-1 and the recent Axiom Mission-4, where ISRO and NASA astronauts collaborated aboard the International Space Station.
To learn more about the mission, please visit NASA’s NISAR mission page.
This launch not only signifies a technological leap but also exemplifies the power of international collaboration in addressing global challenges through space exploration. The insights and data gathered from NISAR will contribute significantly to our understanding of Earth’s dynamic systems, aiding in resource management and disaster response for years to come.
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