‘10 billion pixels’: NASA-ISRO’s NISAR to capture Earth’s changes down to the centimeter
Produced by: Manoj Kumar
Global Lens
Earth’s surfaces will be scanned down to the centimeter by NISAR’s cutting-edge technology, enabling detailed insights into changes across land, ice, and ecosystems.
Radar Power
Featuring dual-band radar, NISAR uses L-band and S-band systems to capture data at various wavelengths, monitoring everything from tiny leaves to massive boulders.
Mission Collaboration
NASA provides advanced radar systems, while ISRO contributes the spacecraft bus, launch vehicle, and operational capabilities in this unprecedented joint mission.
Wide Coverage
NISAR will scan nearly all land and ice surfaces on Earth twice every 12 days, offering consistent updates for researchers globally.
Change Tracker
From ice sheet shifts to forest health, NISAR will monitor environmental and infrastructural changes with unmatched precision, says NASA’s Paul Rosen.
Disaster Insight
The radar system will provide pre- and post-disaster imaging, aiding disaster response teams with quick, actionable data for mitigating damage.
Earth’s Story
Data from NISAR will reveal dynamic changes in Earth’s crust, including landslides, earthquakes, and volcanic activity, building a coherent picture of planetary shifts.
Free Access
NISAR data will be processed in the cloud and made freely available, ensuring global access for scientists, policy-makers, and disaster response teams.
Future Ready
The mission will drive critical advancements in Earth sciences, shaping strategies for ecosystem preservation, disaster management, and climate adaptation.