GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

• NISAR stands for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar.
• It is an Earth observation satellite
• The 2,800 kilograms satellite consists of both L-band and S-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instruments, which makes it a dual-frequency imaging radar satellite.
• NASA has provided the L-band radar, GPS, a high-capacity solid-state recorder to store data, and a payload data subsystem.
• And the ISRO has provided the S-band radar, the GSLV launch system and spacecraft.
• Another important component of the satellite is its large 39-foot stationary antenna reflector
• It is made of a gold-plated wire mesh, the reflector will be used to focus the radar signals emitted and received by the upward-facing feed on the instrument structure.
  
  

Additional features:

• By using  (SAR), NISAR will produce high-resolution images.
• SAR is capable of penetrating clouds and can collect data day and night regardless of the weather conditions.

What is the mission?

• NISAR will observe subtle changes in Earth’s surfaces, helping researchers better understand the causes and consequences of such phenomena.
• It will spot warning signs of natural disasters, such as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes and landslides.
• The satellite will also;
  • Measure groundwater levels,
  • Track flow rates of glaciers and ice sheets, and
  • Monitor the planet’s forest and agricultural regions, which can improve our understanding of carbon exchange.
• ISRO will use NISAR for a variety of purposes including agricultural mapping, and monitoring of glaciers in the Himalayas, landslide-prone areas and changes in the coastline.