SOURCE: AFI
The highly anticipated joint India-US space mission, NISAR, appears to be facing significant delays. The ambitious project, which was slated for launch in the first half of 2023, has been conspicuously absent from the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) list of missions planned for this year.
NISAR, or NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, is a groundbreaking satellite designed to provide unprecedentedly detailed observations of Earth’s surface. Its ability to detect changes as small as a centimeter has the potential to revolutionize our understanding of climate change, natural hazards, and other critical Earth processes.
The satellite, assembled in the United States with components from India, was initially scheduled for launch earlier this year. However, subsequent testing revealed issues with a crucial 12-meter antenna, necessitating its return to the US for upgrades. While ISRO had expressed optimism about a potential launch in the second half of 2023, the latest development suggests a further delay.
The setback is undoubtedly a disappointment for scientists and policymakers eagerly awaiting the data NISAR is expected to provide. However, given the complexity of the mission and the need for thorough testing, the decision to prioritize the satellite’s performance over a rushed launch is understandable.
As ISRO continues to work on resolving the technical challenges, the scientific community will be watching closely for updates on the revised launch timeline.