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NASA and ISRO test pioneering new Earth satellite.

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By Surendra Uikey

 



Venturing into the cosmic crucible, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite has triumphed over an arduous 21-day test within a thermal vacuum chamber in Bengaluru, India. Developed collaboratively by the United States and Indian space agencies, NISAR emerged unscathed on November 13, proving its mettle under the relentless scrutiny of extreme temperatures and the vacuum of space.


This Earth-observing radar satellite, slated for an early 2024 launch, showcased its resilience as it prepares to scan the planet's vast terrains and icy expanses, unlocking a new era in Earth observation. The relentless pursuit of scientific excellence propels NISAR into the forefront of collaborative space exploration, marking a significant milestone in this pioneering endeavor.


The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) marks a historic collaboration, representing the first joint venture between NASA and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for an Earth-observing mission. Set to grace the cosmic stage with its early 2024 launch, NISAR promises a transformative mission—scanning the Earth's diverse landscapes and icy expanses every 12 days with unparalleled precision.


Designed to scrutinize movements down to fractions of an inch, this radar satellite will become Earth's vigilant eye, monitoring seismic shifts, landslides, volcanic activities, and dynamic alterations in ecosystems. The recent successful completion of a rigorous 21-day thermal vacuum test at ISRO's Satellite Integration and Test Establishment in Bengaluru reinforces NISAR's resilience in the unforgiving environment of space. As it inches closer to its celestial odyssey, NISAR stands as a testament to international collaboration and cutting-edge technology, poised to unravel the Earth's mysteries from the vantage point of orbit.


NISAR Faces the Heat: Rigorous Testing Ensures Space-Ready Prowess.




In a critical phase of its preparation for the cosmic stage, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) underwent a series of intensive tests, proving its mettle in a simulated space-like environment. The satellite, adorned in golden thermal blanketing, ventured into the thermal vacuum chamber at ISRO's Satellite Integration and Test Establishment in Bengaluru.


Commencing on October 19, engineers meticulously orchestrated a sequence of challenges. Over the following week, they subjected NISAR to the extremities of pressure, lowering it to a fraction of sea-level norms. The satellite endured an 80-hour "cold soak" at a frigid 14 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 10 degrees Celsius), followed by an equally enduring "hot soak" at a sweltering 122 F (50 C).


This rigorous regimen simulated the temperature fluctuations NISAR will face as it orbits between the sunlit and shadowed realms of space. In this three-week saga, ISRO and JPL teams collaborated ceaselessly, scrutinizing the satellite's thermal systems and primary instruments—the L-band and S-band radars. NISAR emerges triumphant, now poised for its upcoming mission, a testament to the meticulous testing that precedes every cosmic endeavor.


In September, engineers employed ISRO's compact antenna test facility, subjecting NISAR's L- and S-band radar antennas to rigorous evaluations. Within this controlled environment, adorned with blue foam spikes to prevent signal interference, the antennas demonstrated their mettle, meeting predefined requirements.


This success paved the way for the subsequent thermal vacuum chamber test in October, where NISAR faced the extreme conditions of space, showcasing its resilience. With these triumphs, NISAR readies itself for the next phase—adorned with solar panels and a nearly 40-foot radar antenna reflector resembling a snare drum, poised to unfold its cosmic symphony as it extends from the spacecraft on its celestial quest.


NISAR: Earth's Watchful Eye Preparing for Cosmic Symphony.




Come early 2024, NASA and ISRO's collaborative venture, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), is poised to become Earth's vigilant observer. Scheduled to embark on its mission, NISAR will diligently scan the planet's diverse landscapes every 12 days, capturing intricate details with its sophisticated radar technology.


With its solar panels and radar antenna reflector, resembling a cosmic snare drum, poised to unfold in orbit, NISAR stands ready for the orchestration of its celestial symphony. Before its grand cosmic performance, the satellite will undergo further tests, ensuring its readiness for launch atop ISRO's Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark II. Once in orbit, NISAR will unravel the mysteries of Earth's dynamic surfaces, fulfilling its mission as a trailblazing Earth-observing radar satellite.


NISAR stands as a testament to international collaboration, heralding the union of NASA and ISRO in a groundbreaking Earth-observing mission. Representing the first joint hardware development venture between the two agencies, NISAR brings together the expertise of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and ISRO's U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC).


JPL, under the aegis of Caltech in Pasadena, California, leads the U.S. component, contributing the L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), radar reflector antenna, communication subsystem, and more. URSC spearheads the ISRO component, providing the spacecraft bus, launch vehicle, and essential mission operations. This collaborative effort ensures NISAR's readiness to unveil Earth's secrets from its orbital vantage point.

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