Produced by: Tarun Mishra
The highly anticipated joint Nasa-ISRO NISAR mission has encountered a setback, resulting in a delay in the launch schedule.
The Earth-observing satellite is currently undergoing its final stages of preparation at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. A pivotal element of the mission, the 39-foot radar antenna reflector, is undergoing essential preparations.
Recent tests have highlighted potential temperature issues during flight, necessitating the application of a protective coating on the reflector.
NISAR aims to revolutionize our understanding of Earth's surface changes through frequent scanning using microwave signals, providing invaluable insights into various phenomena.
The coating process is taking place in California, emphasizing the international cooperation between ISRO and NASA in ensuring the mission's success. Following the application of the protective coating, thorough testing will be conducted to verify its effectiveness in regulating temperature fluctuations.
As of now, the launch readiness date remains uncertain, with further assessment expected to conclude by the end of April.
NISAR marks a significant milestone as the first hardware collaboration between NASA and ISRO, promising groundbreaking discoveries in Earth observation.