In 2025, NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar), a cutting-edge satellite aimed at monitoring Earth’s surface changes with unprecedented precision. By tracking both natural and human-caused land shifts, NISAR will open doors to improved disaster prediction, response, and infrastructure management.
Equipped with NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band, NISAR will monitor surface movements. It can detect changes down to fractions of an inch. The dual-frequency approach allows it to track even minute changes in land, ice, and vegetation. Unlike optical instruments, its radar systems can penetrate clouds and dense vegetation, providing constant, year-round coverage.
“This kind of regular observation helps us understand the movement of Earth’s surface. It does so across nearly the entire planet,” said Cathleen Jones, NISAR applications lead at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
EARTHQUAKE AND VOLCANO MONITORING: NEW FRONTIERS IN RISK ANALYSIS
NISAR satellites primary objective is to map Earth’s surface motion, shedding light on seismic and volcanic activity. In earthquake-prone regions, the satellite will help identify which areas are stable. It will also determine which areas are locked. This provides clues about potential fault line activity.
“It will help us better understand which areas of the world are most susceptible to significant earthquakes,” said Mark Simons. He is the U.S. solid Earth science lead for the mission.
In the Himalayas, where seismic risk is high, ISRO recognizes great potential in NISAR’s capabilities. It can assess earthquake hazards and inform safety measures. Beyond earthquakes, NISAR will detect land deformations linked to volcanic activity, giving researchers insights into eruptions and lava flow patterns.
INFRASTRUCTURE MONITORING: STRENGTHENING RESILIENCE
NISAR’s continuous monitoring is equally valuable for tracking changes in levees, dams, and aqueducts. It helps establish a baseline for normal conditions. It also quickly identifies structural issues. This proactive approach can prevent costly inspections and focus resources on problem areas.
“You can target your surveys to problem areas,” said Jones. “You don’t need to survey an entire aqueduct every five years.” He explained how NISAR’s data could streamline infrastructure assessments after events like earthquakes.
In areas such as California’s Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta, the satellite will help authorities to detect structural shifts in levees. This could potentially save millions in disaster recovery costs.
HISTORIC PARTNERSHIP IN EARTH OBSERVATION
The NISAR mission marks NASA and ISRO’s first collaboration in Earth-observing hardware. NASA provides the L-band radar, GPS, and a radar reflector. It also supplies other components. ISRO provides the S-band radar. It will handle the launch and operations.
Through this partnership, the NISAR mission will revolutionize Earth sciences. It will enhance our understanding of seismic and volcanic activities and inform infrastructure resilience. This will create a stronger global approach to disaster response.
