The collaborative NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, launched earlier this year aboard the GSLV-F16, has entered its highly anticipated science phase. The deployment of a 12-metre diameter antenna reflector marked a significant milestone, as reported by ISRO on Friday.
Playing a crucial role in ISRO’s S-Band and NASA’s L-Band SAR systems, the antenna has begun its task, capturing its first S-Band image of the Godavari River Delta in India on August 19, 2025. This image, reflecting diverse vegetation patterns, underscores NISAR’s capability to map intricate landscapes with accuracy, ISRO stated.
As the 100th day of NISAR in orbit was celebrated, ISRO unveiled these breakthrough S-SAR images publicly and confirmed the commencement of its science operations. Developed by NASA, the antenna system’s deployment involved complex maneuvers, carried out with support from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
(With inputs from agencies.)