NASA-ISRO NISAR Satellite Achieves First Radar Imaging of Earth

On August 21, 2025, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite successfully transmitted its first radar images of Earth’s surface. This milestone marks a significant achievement in the collaboration between the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The mission is designed to enhance our understanding of the planet and support various scientific and practical applications.

NISAR was launched on July 30, 2025, utilizing advanced radar technology to capture high-resolution images. The satellite’s initial images were taken of Mount Desert Island along the coast of Maine. In these images, dark areas represent water, green areas denote forests, and magenta highlights hard surfaces, including buildings and bare ground. The town of Bar Harbor is clearly visible, showcasing the radar’s ability to differentiate various types of land cover.

Just two days later, on August 23, NISAR captured additional images of Forest River in North Dakota. These images revealed a diverse landscape featuring wetlands, forests, farmland, and circular irrigation plots. The satellite distinguished between fallow fields and active crops, such as corn and soybeans, underscoring its capabilities in agricultural monitoring.

What sets NISAR apart is its unique combination of two radar bands: NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band. This dual radar system allows for comprehensive data collection about Earth’s surface. Orbiting the Earth every 12 days at an altitude of 747 kilometers, NISAR can detect features as small as 5 meters, which enhances its utility in various applications.

The data generated by NISAR will play a crucial role in numerous fields, including disaster response to events such as floods, landslides, and earthquakes. Additionally, it will aid in agricultural monitoring to support food security, track climate change and ecosystems, and assist in urban planning and infrastructure management.

Sean Duffy, NASA’s Acting Administrator, commented on this achievement, stating that NISAR’s first images exemplify the potential of international collaboration. Full science operations for the mission are expected to commence in November 2025, promising advancements in Earth observation and environmental monitoring.

The joint effort between NASA and ISRO demonstrates how international cooperation can enhance scientific understanding and contribute to societal benefits. As NISAR embarks on its mission, its groundbreaking capabilities are set to transform our approach to monitoring and managing Earth’s resources.