The unique Earth observation satellite, NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), will be launched through the GSLV-S16 on July 30, said ISRO chairman V Narayanan, reported news agency PTI.
Weighing 2,392 kg, NISAR is a unique Earth observation satellite and the first to observe the Earth with a dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (NASA`s L-band and ISRO`s S-band), both using NASA`s 12m unfurlable mesh reflector antenna, integrated to ISRO`s modified 13k satellite bus.
It will observe Earth with a swath of 242 km and high spatial resolution, using SweepSAR technology for the first time, according to the space agency.
It will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.
“The Earth observation satellite jointly developed by ISRO and NASA will be sent into space on July 30 by the GSLV-F16 rocket made in India,” Indian Space Research Organisation chairman V Narayanan said, reported PTI.
It will be launched at a distance of 740 km. It can take pictures of the earth 24 hours a day in all weather conditions and the satellite can detect landslides, aid in disaster management and monitor climate change, he said while speaking to reporters at the airport here on Sunday night.
“The satellite will benefit India, the US and the entire world¿ it is also crucial for monitoring Earth`s natural resources,” he added, reported PTI.
On Gaganyaan, India`s human spaceflight Mission, Narayanan said a humanoid, called Vyommitra, will be sent into space in December this year. Once it proved to be successful, two other uncrewed missions would be launched next year, reported PTI.
Following the success, the Gaganyaan Mission will be launched in March 2027, as Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said.
“We will conduct three uncrewed missions before the Gaganyaan Mission. In December, a humanoid mission will be conducted, during which a robot called Vyommitra will be sent into space. If it`s successful, then two uncrewed missions will be launched next year. After all the tests in March 2027, as PM Modi said, Gaganyan Mission will be launched,” added the ISRO chief.
Vyommitra is a name derived from two Sanskrit words: “Vyoma” (meaning “space”) and “Mitra” (meaning “friend”). This female robot astronaut is equipped with the capability to monitor module parameters, issue alerts, and execute life support operations. It can perform tasks such as operating six panels and responding to queries.
These missions demonstrate India`s growing capabilities in space exploration and technology, with ISRO playing a vital role in advancing the nation`s vision of self-reliance and global leadership in space.
(With inputs from PTI)