A new radar satellite developed by the United States and India is scheduled to launch on Wednesday from India’s southeastern coast. Named NISAR, which stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, the spacecraft aims to monitor subtle changes in Earth’s land and ice surfaces. The mission is designed to help scientists predict natural and human-caused hazards, such as earthquakes, landslides, and infrastructure damage.

The pickup truck-sized satellite will lift off at 5:40 p.m. local time from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, carried by an Indian Space Research Organisation Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle rocket. Orbiting at an altitude of 464 miles, NISAR will use a 12-meter dish to transmit microwaves and capture their echoes from Earth’s surface. These signals, processed by computers, will create high-resolution images capable of detecting surface movements as small as one centimeter.

NISAR operates on two radar frequencies: L-band and S-band. The L-band is suited for monitoring taller vegetation like trees, while the S-band provides precise readings of shorter plants, such as bushes. This dual-frequency system allows the satellite to track changes in forests, glaciers, sea ice, and critical infrastructure, including dams and bridges. It can also identify areas prone to seismic activity, offering insights into fault lines and volcanic regions.

The project is a collaboration between NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and ISRO. Each agency built components independently before integrating and testing the spacecraft in Bengaluru, India. The mission has been described as a significant step in U.S.-India cooperation, with both nations emphasizing its scientific and diplomatic value.

Scientists anticipate NISAR’s data will enhance understanding of Earth’s surface dynamics. In regions like the Himalayas, where large earthquakes have occurred, the satellite’s measurements could improve hazard assessments. In well-monitored areas like California, it will allow researchers to focus on specific fault zones. The satellite’s ability to operate day and night and penetrate clouds ensures consistent data collection.

NISAR will scan nearly all of Earth’s land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days, providing a steady stream of information. This data is expected to support disaster preparedness and infrastructure monitoring worldwide. The launch marks a milestone in space-based Earth observation and international partnerships.

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