Published: 6 November 2025Business Standard / India TVScience & Technology
NASA-ISRO NISAR Satellite Science Phase Announced; Captures First Images of Godavari Delta
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite was declared operational on November 7, 2025, after completing its in-orbit testing phase. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan announced the milestone at a conclave where NISAR's first operational images of the Godavari River Delta were displayed.
The 2,400 kg satellite, launched on July 30, 2025, via ISRO's GSLV rocket, is the first to carry dual SAR systems — L-Band (penetrates forest canopies, measures soil moisture and biomass) and S-Band (sensitive to small vegetation and agriculture). NISAR can monitor most of Earth's land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days. The mission is critical for monitoring deforestation, glacier melting, earthquake risks, and agricultural patterns.
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Q: Discuss the scientific and strategic significance of the NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite after it became operational in November 2025.
Answer (50 words):
The 2,400 kg NASA-ISRO NISAR satellite, launched via GSLV on July 30, 2025, was declared operational on November 7, 2025, with Chairman V Narayanan unveiling first Godavari Delta images. Its dual L-band and S-band SAR monitors Earth's land and ice every 12 days, aiding deforestation, glacier, earthquake and agriculture studies.
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CoverageNationalSubjectScience & TechnologyExamBasic Computer Instructor · CET Graduation · CET Senior Secondary · EO/RO · LDC · Mahila Supervisor · Patwar · PTI · RAS · REET · RPSC SI · School Lecturer · Senior Computer Instructor · Senior Teacher · UPSC · Vanpal · BothSourceBusiness Standard / India TV
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PRATUSH, the lunar-orbit radiometer being developed by India, aims to detect which signal?
Explanation · Correct answer CPRATUSH aims to detect the faint 21-cm hydrogen signal from the Cosmic Dawn era.
Frequently asked questions
When was NISAR declared operational, and who announced the milestone?
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite was declared operational on November 7, 2025, after completing in-orbit testing. ISRO Chairman V Narayanan announced the milestone at a conclave.
What were NISAR's first operational images of?
NISAR's first operational images showed the Godavari River Delta.
What launch and payload details were given for NISAR?
The 2,400 kg satellite was launched on July 30, 2025, via ISRO's GSLV rocket. It is the first to carry dual SAR systems: L-Band, which penetrates forest canopies and measures soil moisture and biomass, and S-Band, which is sensitive to small vegetation and agriculture.
What can NISAR monitor and how often?
NISAR can monitor most of Earth's land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days. The mission is critical for monitoring deforestation, glacier melting, earthquake risks, and agricultural patterns.
