NISAR Antenna Fully Deployed, Mission Enters Science Operations Phase

NISAR Satellite Deploys 12m Antenna, Begins Science-Phase Imaging

The NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar mission (NISAR) has entered full science operations with the successful deployment of its 12-metre antenna reflector in orbit. Launched aboard GSLV-F16 in July 2025 , the Earth-observation satellite is now operationally ready, marking a major step for one of the world’s most advanced radar-imaging missions.

Milestone Deployment of the Radar Reflector

NISAR’s antenna was launched in a folded configuration mounted on a nine-metre boom. A carefully sequenced, multi-joint unfolding was performed in orbit, engaging the wrist, elbow, shoulder and root joints over five consecutive days from 9–15 August 2025 . Post-deployment checks confirmed full structural stability, electrical connectivity and successful synchronization of NASA’s L-band with ISRO’s S-band radar systems.

First Science Image Captured Over Godavari Delta

The mission released its first SAR image on 19 August 2025 , mapping the Godavari River Delta with remarkable clarity. Cropland, mangrove belts and aquaculture zones were differentiated at fine scale, validating NISAR’s capability for land-cover monitoring and agricultural mapping. The imagery marks the beginning of sustained data acquisition over the Indian subcontinent.

Calibration for High Precision Data Output

For scientific accuracy, calibration campaigns were undertaken using corner reflectors near Ahmedabad and over test zones in the Amazon Basin. Satellite pointing, beam tuning and polarization channels have been refined to ensure consistency across global acquisition regions, enabling routine S-band and L-band data fusion.

EXAM-ORIENTED FACTS

• NISAR carries dual-frequency SAR : S-band (ISRO) + L-band (NASA)

• Reflector diameter: 12 metres

• Payload deployment completed 15 August 2025

• First S-band SAR image: Godavari Delta (19 Aug 2025)

Relevance & Earth-Science Impact

NISAR data is expected to transform applications in agriculture yield monitoring, forest biomass estimation, hydrology, polar ice dynamics, earthquakes, coastal studies and disaster forecasting . With routine imaging cycles now underway, the mission strengthens India’s role in climate-driven Earth observation and establishes one of the most powerful radar-mapping systems in global use.