NISAR Mission Launch and Commissioning: UPSC Current Affairs Story Arc

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GS-2GS-35 events · 2025-05-06 → 2025-11-07

A 2,400-kilogram behemoth costing over $1.5 billion, the NISAR satellite scans nearly the entire Earth every 12 days. It is the first mission to simultaneously use two different radar frequencies to watch the planet's crust move by mere centimeters.

Overview

The NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission represents the pinnacle of India-US space cooperation. Spanning from May to November 2025, this arc tracks the mission from its final scheduling phase to its full operational status. Launched aboard ISRO’s GSLV rocket on July 30, 2025, the satellite uses advanced dual-frequency radar (L-band and S-band) to monitor environmental changes like ice sheet retreat, tectonic shifts, and forest loss. This mission is critical for India's disaster management and global climate change research, marking a shift from simple satellite launches to high-precision Earth observation.

How This Story Evolved

Initial planning for June launch → Target confirmed/adjusted → Tentative July 5 date → Readiness pushed to July 30 → Mission declared operational in November

  1. 2025-05-06: ISRO Prepares for Major Space Missions
    More details

    UPSC Angle: ISRO's upcoming space missions: PSLV-C61, EOS-09 satellite.

    Key Facts:

    • ISRO is planning space missions from May to July 2025.
    • Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (Indian Air Force) will travel to the ISS on May 29, 2025, as part of Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission.
    • In June 2025, ISRO will collaborate with NASA to launch the NISAR satellite aboard the GSLV-F16 rocket.
    • NISAR is the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar.
    • EOS-09 satellite launch on PSLV-C61 mission.
    • EOS-09 is equipped with C-band synthetic aperture radar.
    • NASA and ISRO are targeting June 2025 for the launch of the NISAR satellite mission.
    • NISAR will carry both L-band and S-band radar.
    • NISAR will scan nearly all of Earth's land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days.
    • ISRO will provide launch services, using the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle Mark II rocket.
    • The launch will be from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on India's southeastern coast.
    • ISRO is planning high-profile missions between May and July 2025.
    • Group Capt. Shubhanshu Shukla will fly to the ISS on May 29, 2025, with Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission.
    • ISRO will launch the PSLV-C61 rocket on May 18, carrying the EOS-09 satellite.
    • NISAR launch aboard GSLV-F16 in June.
    • Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force to the International Space Station (ISS) on May 29, 2025, as part of Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission.
    • PSLV-C61 rocket on May 18, carrying the EOS-09 Earth observation satellite.
    • ISRO will launch the PSLV-C61 mission with the EOS-09 satellite between May and July 2025.
    • EOS-09 is equipped with a C-band synthetic aperture radar for high-resolution Earth imaging.
    • Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force will fly to the ISS on May 29, 2025, as part of Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission.
    • ISRO has conducted 130 spacecraft missions and 100 launch missions to date, including launching 433 foreign satellites.
  2. 2025-06-10: NASA, ISRO Aiming to Launch NISAR Earth Mission in June 2025
    More details

    UPSC Angle: NISAR mission: NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar launch targeted for June 2025.

    Key Facts:

    • Launch Target: June 2025
    • Agencies: NASA and ISRO
    • Mission: NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite mission
    • Radar Bands: L-band and S-band
    • Scanning Frequency: Twice every 12 days
    • Objective: measure changes in the planet's terrestrial ecosystems, growth and retreat of its ice sheets, glaciers, and sea ice, and deformation of its crust.
  3. 2025-07-05: NASA and ISRO Jointly Launch NISAR Satellite (Tentative)
    More details

    UPSC Angle: NASA and ISRO jointly launch NISAR satellite for Earth observation.

    Key Facts:

    • Launch Date (tentative): July 5, 2025
    • Satellite: NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)
    • Launch Vehicle: GSLV Mk II rocket
    • Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Center, India
    • Collaboration: NASA and ISRO
    • Technology: Dual-frequency radar (NASA's L-band and ISRO's S-band)
    • Purpose: Track changes in Earth's surface (landslides, volcanoes, sea-level rise, forest loss)
    • Frequency of mapping: every 12 days
  4. 2025-07-20: NASA, ISRO Earth Satellite Mission Set to Launch July 30
    More details

    UPSC Angle: NASA, ISRO Earth Satellite Mission (NISAR) set to launch.

    Key Facts:

    • Launch readiness date for the NASA-ISRO NISAR mission is set for no earlier than July 30, 2025.
    • The launch will take place aboard an ISRO Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle from ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
    • NISAR will be the first satellite to carry L- and S-band radars.
    • NISAR will scan nearly all of Earth's land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days.
  5. 2025-11-07: ISRO-NASA NISAR Mission Operational
    More details

    UPSC Angle: NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission operational.

    Key Facts:

    • NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission will officially become operational on Friday, November 7, 2025
    • ISRO Chairman V Narayanan confirmed that the mission's calibration phase has been completed
    • NISAR weighs 2,400 kilograms
    • Launched on July 30 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre aboard a GSLV rocket
    • Dual radar payloads — the L-band system developed by NASA and the S-band sensor built by ISRO
    • L-band radar is uniquely capable of penetrating dense forest canopies, allowing it to analyse soil moisture, forest biomass, and subtle ground or ice movements
    • S-band radar is tuned for finer surface details and will observe grasslands, agricultural zones and snow cover
    • Satellite's design allows for near-global coverage every 12 days
    • NISAR satellite jointly developed by ISRO and NASA
    • Launched on July 30, 2025, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
    • Operational from November 7, 2025
    • Captures images of the entire Earth every 12 days
    • Aids in early warnings for earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes
    • Assists India in border surveillance along the Himalayan frontiers
    • NISAR satellite to be declared operational on November 7, 2025
    • Jointly developed by NASA and ISRO
    • Launched on July 30, 2025
    • Monitors land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days
    • Equipped with L-Band and S-Band sensors

Genesis

Trigger

The mission entered its final countdown phase on May 6, 2025, when ISRO integrated it into a high-intensity launch schedule alongside the Ax-4 mission to the ISS.

Why Now

The timing was driven by the completion of complex dual-payload integration—merging NASA's L-band and ISRO's S-band systems—and the availability of the GSLV-F16 launcher.

Historical Context

NISAR follows decades of evolving India-US space ties, moving from the 1960s sounding rocket era to the 2023 iCET (Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology) framework which prioritized civil space collaboration.

Key Turning Points

  1. [2025-07-20] Launch readiness pushed to July 30

    Ensured final technical checks for the dual-radar payload were met, avoiding potential mission failure of an expensive asset.

    Before: Tentative July 5 launch window. After: Firm commitment to a July 30 liftoff and subsequent operational success.

  2. [2025-11-07] Mission Declared Operational

    Transitions the project from a technical achievement to a functional scientific tool providing global data.

    Before: Satellite in calibration phase; data restricted. After: Full operational status for monitoring landslides and sea levels.

Key Actors and Institutions

NameRoleRelevance
V NarayananISRO Chairman (as of late 2025)Confirmed the completion of the calibration phase and declared the mission operational on November 7, 2025.
Shubhanshu ShuklaGroup Captain, Indian Air ForceHis flight to the ISS in May 2025 (Ax-4 mission) paralleled the NISAR preparations, highlighting ISRO's multi-front international collaboration.

Key Institutions

  • Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)
  • National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
  • Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)

Key Concepts

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR)

A form of radar that uses the motion of the radar antenna over a target region to provide finer spatial resolution than conventional stationary beam-scanning radars.

Current Fact: NISAR is the first mission to carry both L-band and S-band radar systems simultaneously.

L-band and S-band Radar

L-band (1-2 GHz) has longer wavelengths that can penetrate dense forest canopies, while S-band (2-4 GHz) is ideal for near-range weather and surface monitoring.

Current Fact: NASA developed the L-band system, while ISRO built the S-band sensor for the 2025 launch.

Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle (GSLV)

A three-stage heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO, using a cryogenic third stage to place satellites into orbit.

Current Fact: The NISAR satellite was launched on July 30, 2025, using a GSLV Mk II rocket.

What Happens Next

Current Status

As of November 7, 2025, the NISAR mission is officially operational following a successful calibration phase confirmed by ISRO.

Likely Next

Regular data dissemination to global scientific communities for monitoring sea-level rise and tectonic deformation.

Wildcards

Potential solar flare interference affecting sensitive radar electronics or shifts in US-India data-sharing policies.

Why UPSC Cares

Syllabus Topics

  • S&T- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life
  • Awareness in the fields of Space
  • Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India

Essay Angles

  • Space as the new frontier of bilateral diplomacy: The India-US example.
  • Technology as a watchdog for climate change and environmental justice.

Prelims Likely: Yes

Mains Likely: Yes

Trend Signal: rising

Exam Intelligence

Previous Year Question Connections

  • Which two agencies jointly manufactured the NISAR satellite? — Directly tests the foundational partnership (NASA-ISRO) of this 2025 mission.
  • Differences between PSLV and GSLV capabilities. — NISAR's use of a GSLV for a 2,400 kg payload reinforces why GSLV is preferred for heavier observation missions compared to PSLV.

Prelims Angles

  • Identify the specific radar bands used (L and S) and which agency provided which band.
  • The frequency of scanning (twice every 12 days) is a potential trap for 'daily' or 'monthly' options.
  • Confirmation of the launch vehicle (GSLV) versus PSLV.

Mains Preparation

Sample Question: Critically analyze the significance of the NISAR mission in the context of India-US strategic partnership and its role in global climate change monitoring.

Answer Structure: Intro: Define NISAR and the ISRO-NASA collaboration → Body 1: Technical specs (L/S bands) and their unique applications (canopy penetration, crustal deformation) → Body 2: Significance for India-US relations (iCET, space diplomacy) → Body 3: Environmental impacts (sea-level, forest loss) → Conclusion: NISAR as a 'global public good' for disaster resilience.

Essay Topic: The Convergence of Science and Diplomacy in the 21st Century.

Textbook Connections

Geography of India ,Majid Husain, Chapter 12: Transport, Communications and Trade, p. 58

Provides the historical trajectory of GSLV developmental flights and cryogenic engine challenges.

Gap: Textbook focuses on early GSLV failures (GSLV-D3); the 2025 NISAR mission shows the maturity and reliability of GSLV for complex international payloads.

Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania, Chapter 14: Service Sector > SPACE SECTOR > p. 433

Lists Earth Observation as a key focus area of the Indian space programme.

Gap: Singhania mentions 2019-20 budget figures; NISAR's $1.5B+ cost represents a significantly higher investment scale not fully captured in older editions.

Quick Revision

  • Mission Name: NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)
  • Launch Date: July 30, 2025, from Sriharikota
  • Operational Date: November 7, 2025
  • Launch Vehicle: GSLV Mk II
  • Payload Weight: 2,400 kilograms
  • Radar Bands: L-band (NASA) and S-band (ISRO)
  • Scanning Frequency: Twice every 12 days
  • Primary Goals: Monitoring tectonic deformation, ice sheet retreat, and forest biomass

Key Takeaway

NISAR marks India's transition from a regional space player to a global leader in high-precision Earth observation through a co-developed, multi-billion dollar strategic partnership with NASA.

All Events in This Story (5 items)

  1. 2025-05-06 [Science & Technology] — ISRO Prepares for Major Space Missions
    ISRO is set for a period of significant space missions from May to July 2025, including the launch of the PSLV-C61 mission carrying the EOS-09 satellite and Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla's flight to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission. These missions highlight India's growing capabilities in Earth observation, human spaceflight, and international collaboration.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: ISRO's upcoming space missions: PSLV-C61, EOS-09 satellite.

    Key Facts:

    • ISRO is planning space missions from May to July 2025.
    • Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla (Indian Air Force) will travel to the ISS on May 29, 2025, as part of Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission.
    • In June 2025, ISRO will collaborate with NASA to launch the NISAR satellite aboard the GSLV-F16 rocket.
    • NISAR is the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar.
    • EOS-09 satellite launch on PSLV-C61 mission.
    • EOS-09 is equipped with C-band synthetic aperture radar.
    • NASA and ISRO are targeting June 2025 for the launch of the NISAR satellite mission.
    • NISAR will carry both L-band and S-band radar.
    • NISAR will scan nearly all of Earth's land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days.
    • ISRO will provide launch services, using the Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle Mark II rocket.
    • The launch will be from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on India's southeastern coast.
    • ISRO is planning high-profile missions between May and July 2025.
    • Group Capt. Shubhanshu Shukla will fly to the ISS on May 29, 2025, with Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission.
    • ISRO will launch the PSLV-C61 rocket on May 18, carrying the EOS-09 satellite.
    • NISAR launch aboard GSLV-F16 in June.
    • Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force to the International Space Station (ISS) on May 29, 2025, as part of Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission.
    • PSLV-C61 rocket on May 18, carrying the EOS-09 Earth observation satellite.
    • ISRO will launch the PSLV-C61 mission with the EOS-09 satellite between May and July 2025.
    • EOS-09 is equipped with a C-band synthetic aperture radar for high-resolution Earth imaging.
    • Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force will fly to the ISS on May 29, 2025, as part of Axiom Space's Ax-4 mission.
    • ISRO has conducted 130 spacecraft missions and 100 launch missions to date, including launching 433 foreign satellites.
  2. 2025-06-10 [Science & Technology] — NASA, ISRO Aiming to Launch NISAR Earth Mission in June 2025
    NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) are targeting June 2025 for launch of the NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite mission. The first mission to carry both L-band and S-band radar, NISAR will scan nearly all of Earth's land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: NISAR mission: NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar launch targeted for June 2025.

    Key Facts:

    • Launch Target: June 2025
    • Agencies: NASA and ISRO
    • Mission: NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) satellite mission
    • Radar Bands: L-band and S-band
    • Scanning Frequency: Twice every 12 days
    • Objective: measure changes in the planet's terrestrial ecosystems, growth and retreat of its ice sheets, glaciers, and sea ice, and deformation of its crust.
  3. 2025-07-05 [Science & Technology] — NASA and ISRO Jointly Launch NISAR Satellite (Tentative)
    ISRO is expected to launch the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite tentatively on July 5, 2025, aboard a GSLV Mk II rocket from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in India. Developed collaboratively by NASA and ISRO, NISAR will employ dual-frequency radar to monitor changes in Earth's surface, encompassing landslides, volcanoes, sea-level rise, and forest loss. This mission signifies a major milestone in space cooperation between the U.S. and India.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: NASA and ISRO jointly launch NISAR satellite for Earth observation.

    Key Facts:

    • Launch Date (tentative): July 5, 2025
    • Satellite: NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)
    • Launch Vehicle: GSLV Mk II rocket
    • Launch Site: Satish Dhawan Space Center, India
    • Collaboration: NASA and ISRO
    • Technology: Dual-frequency radar (NASA's L-band and ISRO's S-band)
    • Purpose: Track changes in Earth's surface (landslides, volcanoes, sea-level rise, forest loss)
    • Frequency of mapping: every 12 days
  4. 2025-07-20 [Science & Technology] — NASA, ISRO Earth Satellite Mission Set to Launch July 30
    NASA and ISRO have set the launch readiness date for the NISAR mission for no earlier than July 30. The Earth-observing satellite will be the first to carry L- and S-band radars, and is set to lift off aboard an ISRO Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle from ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on India's southeastern coast. NISAR will scan nearly all of Earth's land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days, and measure changes in the planet's terrestrial ecosystems, growth and retreat of its ice sheets, glaciers, and sea ice, and tectonic deformation of its crust.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: NASA, ISRO Earth Satellite Mission (NISAR) set to launch.

    Key Facts:

    • Launch readiness date for the NASA-ISRO NISAR mission is set for no earlier than July 30, 2025.
    • The launch will take place aboard an ISRO Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle from ISRO's Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
    • NISAR will be the first satellite to carry L- and S-band radars.
    • NISAR will scan nearly all of Earth's land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days.
  5. 2025-11-07 [Science & Technology] — ISRO-NASA NISAR Mission Operational
    The NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission will officially become operational on November 7, 2025. NISAR weighs 2,400 kilograms, was launched on July 30 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre aboard a GSLV rocket, and represents one of the most ambitious and expensive Earth observation projects ever undertaken, designed to deliver unparalleled global monitoring capabilities.
    More details

    UPSC Angle: NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission operational.

    Key Facts:

    • NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission will officially become operational on Friday, November 7, 2025
    • ISRO Chairman V Narayanan confirmed that the mission's calibration phase has been completed
    • NISAR weighs 2,400 kilograms
    • Launched on July 30 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre aboard a GSLV rocket
    • Dual radar payloads — the L-band system developed by NASA and the S-band sensor built by ISRO
    • L-band radar is uniquely capable of penetrating dense forest canopies, allowing it to analyse soil moisture, forest biomass, and subtle ground or ice movements
    • S-band radar is tuned for finer surface details and will observe grasslands, agricultural zones and snow cover
    • Satellite's design allows for near-global coverage every 12 days
    • NISAR satellite jointly developed by ISRO and NASA
    • Launched on July 30, 2025, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
    • Operational from November 7, 2025
    • Captures images of the entire Earth every 12 days
    • Aids in early warnings for earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanoes
    • Assists India in border surveillance along the Himalayan frontiers
    • NISAR satellite to be declared operational on November 7, 2025
    • Jointly developed by NASA and ISRO
    • Launched on July 30, 2025
    • Monitors land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days
    • Equipped with L-Band and S-Band sensors

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