TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
THE CONTEXT: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing for the launch of the NISAR satellite, a collaborative mission with NASA.
EXPLANATION:
- The satellite, equipped with advanced radar systems, promises to enhance the monitoring of tectonic movements and provide detailed observations of various Earth systems.
Unique Features of the NISAR Satellite
- Dual-Band Synthetic Aperture Radar
- NISAR, which stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, is equipped with two radar bands:
- S-band: Developed by ISRO.
- L-band: Developed by NASA.
- Large Deployable Antenna
- The satellite features a significant technological advancement with its 18-meter diameter deployable antenna.
- This allows NISAR to cover the entire Earth’s surface approximately twice a month.
- High-Resolution Monitoring
- NISAR’s dual-band radar system enables high-resolution monitoring of various Earth phenomena, including:
- Tectonic Movements: Capable of detecting movements with centimeter-level accuracy.
- Water Bodies: Accurate measurement and monitoring of water resources and water stress.
- Vegetation and Snow Cover: Comprehensive analysis of greenery and snow cover.
- Agricultural Changes: Monitoring agricultural patterns and yield, crucial for understanding and managing agricultural dynamics.
- Desertification and Climate Change: Observing and analyzing desertification processes and climate-related issues.
- NISAR’s dual-band radar system enables high-resolution monitoring of various Earth phenomena, including:
- NISAR, which stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, is equipped with two radar bands:
Applications and Benefits
- Tectonic Plate Movements
- NISAR can precisely measure tectonic plate movements, aiding in the study of geological processes and potentially contributing to earthquake prediction and monitoring.
- Water Resource Management
- By providing accurate data on water bodies and water stress, NISAR supports better water management practices, crucial for addressing water scarcity and improving agricultural productivity.
- Climate and Environmental Studies
- NISAR’s ability to monitor vegetation, snow cover, and desertification offers valuable insights into climate change impacts, enabling more effective environmental conservation strategies.
- Agricultural Monitoring
- The satellite’s high-resolution data on agricultural changes can help optimize crop management, enhance food security, and support sustainable agricultural practices.
Challenges and Delays
- Initially scheduled for a July launch, the NISAR satellite’s deployment has been delayed to October-November due to technical issues on the U.S. side of the collaboration.
- These corrections are being addressed to ensure the satellite’s optimal performance.
- While NISAR’s radars can penetrate the ground to some extent, their depth is limited.
- This feature is useful for monitoring water and moisture levels but not for locating deeply buried archaeological sites.
ISRO’s Future Missions
- Chandrayaan-4: A Sample Return Mission
- Chandrayaan-4 is in the conceptual stage, aimed at returning lunar samples to Earth. This mission is part of ISRO’s long-term plan to land humans on the Moon by 2040, necessitating the development of new methods and technologies.
- Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX)
- Scheduled for launch by the end of the year, SPADEX will demonstrate autonomous docking between two satellites, a crucial step towards ISRO’s goal of building a space station.
- Gaganyaan Mission
- The Gaganyaan mission, India’s human spaceflight program, is progressing with various tests, including helicopter air drop tests and abort tests. The project aims to send Indian astronauts to space, with one astronaut expected to fly to the International Space Station (ISS) in 2024.
- Sukhrayaan: A Mission to Venus
- ISRO has completed designs and configurations for the Sukhrayaan project, a mission to explore Venus. Approval from the government is pending.
- Bharatiya Antariksha Station
- ISRO is designing a space station named Bharatiya Antariksha Station, targeting the launch of the first module by 2028.
- New Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV)
- The NGLV, named Surya, is designed to enhance ISRO’s launch capabilities. The project report is ready, awaiting government approval.
- Quantum Key Distribution Satellite
- This satellite aims to enhance secure communication through quantum key distribution, with the project already approved.
- Software-Defined Radio Satellite
- A communication satellite with flexible, software-defined functionalities is in development, alongside a constellation of satellites for aircraft monitoring in Indian airspace.
- IDRSS: Indian Data Relay Satellite System
- The IDRSS is being developed to ensure continuous communication with the Gaganyaan crew module and other distant missions, enhancing data transmission capabilities between India and remote locations.
- Technology Development Satellite (TDS-01)
- This satellite will demonstrate full electric propulsion for communication purposes and is slated for launch this year.
