ISRO-NASA’s NISAR: World’s First Dual-Band Radar Satellite

Ahmedabad, Gujarat –  In a landmark moment for global space science, the Indian Space Research Organisation’s Ahmedabad-based Space Applications Centre (SAC) and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have developed the world’s first L- and S-band radar imaging satellite — named NISAR. The $1.5 billion (₹12,500 crore) satellite is scheduled for launch aboard India’s GSLV rocket this July.

According to a report in a vernacular daily, the satellite, equipped with dual synthetic aperture radars from both nations, is expected to transform Earth observation and geophysical research — with scientists eyeing a breakthrough in the long-elusive ability to predict earthquakes.

Speaking exclusively on the mission, SAC Director Nilesh Desai explained, “Since two types of radars have been fitted, the entire scientific world is watching this satellite. One of the radar’s waves will reach a meter deep into the ground. For the first time, there is hope that we may be able to predict earthquakes. Until now, we could not.”

This global collaboration was born from India’s early success with radar satellites. Back in 2008, ISRO launched RISAT, India’s first radar satellite. NASA, impressed with ISRO’s radar imaging technology, proposed a partnership that matured into the NISAR mission, jointly involving hardware, development, and shared scientific objectives.

Under the project, NASA developed the L-band radar, while ISRO built the S-band radar and the satellite bus. India will also manage the launch using its GSLV Mk-II rocket from the Sriharikota spaceport.

Gold-Plated Antenna: Engineering Marvel

The satellite’s most striking feature is its 12-meter (39 feet) diameter gold-plated antenna. Designed using molybdenum mesh and coated in gold to resist corrosion, radiation, and heat, the antenna unfolds once the satellite reaches orbit. “Deploying such a large, foldable antenna in space is one of the most technically challenging aspects,” said an ISRO scientist involved in the mission.

This high-performance antenna will enable NISAR to capture ultra-precise radar images of Earth’s surface — vital for studying tectonic shifts, ice sheet changes, forest biomass, and agricultural patterns.

SAC Ahmedabad: Quietly Leading India’s Space Technology

While ISRO’s launches from Bengaluru and Sriharikota often capture headlines, it is Ahmedabad’s Space Applications Centre that quietly undertakes many of the agency’s most complex technological challenges. From radar systems to quantum communication, SAC continues to be the backbone of India’s cutting-edge space R&D.