NISAR (NASA–ISRO)

The Five W's of NISAR

Who

NASA and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).

Source: NASA, NISAR launch

What

A radar satellite carrying NASA's L-band and ISRO's S-band radars.

Source: NASA, NISAR launch

When

Launched July 30, 2025; scanning nearly all land and ice twice every 12 days.

Source: NASA, NISAR launch

Where

Earth orbit, launched from India.

Source: NASA, NISAR launch

Why

Detecting ground and ice motion of about a centimeter helps with earthquakes, landslides, sinking ground, glaciers and crops.

Source: NASA, NISAR quick facts

Impact Statement

Agency solution · active

NISAR launched from India on July 30, 2025. Its two radars (NASA's L-band and ISRO's S-band) see through clouds and darkness, scanning nearly all of Earth's land and ice surfaces twice every 12 days.

Source: NASA, NISAR launch

Source: NASA, NISAR quick facts

By comparing passes, it can detect ground or ice moving by about a centimeter, useful for earthquakes, landslides, sinking ground, glaciers and crops.

Source: NASA, NISAR quick facts

For Further Information: NASA, NISAR quick facts