NASA and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) are set to launch a groundbreaking Earth-mapping satellite, NISAR, which will use dual frequencies to map the Earth’s crust in extreme detail. The satellite, which will cost an estimated $1.5 billion, will be the first of its kind to use both the L and S microwave bands in radar imaging, allowing for systematic observations of even subtle changes to the Earth’s crust, including earthquakes, tsunamis, and other natural disasters.
During a question and answer session held by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on February 3rd, experts discussed the capabilities of NISAR, which is planned to operate for three years starting in early 2024. The satellite will provide worldwide coverage every 12 days, and the mission team hopes to make the data readily available to the public within one to two days. In emergency situations, the data can be delivered within hours.
