31 July 2025: PIB Summary For UPSC
1. NISAR to revolutionize Earth observation with precision, global data access
Source – Press Information Bureau (PIB) – Ministry of Jal Shakti (31 July 2025)
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Topic: GS Paper 3 (Science & Technology; Space Technology; Earth Observation) |
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Context |
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Content:
Background & Launch
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NISAR (NASA‑ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a joint mission launched on 30 July 2025 aboard GSLV‑F16—a first successful GSLV placement into sun‑synchronous polar orbit and the 12th flight using indigenous cryogenic stage.
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The Union Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh, lauded the ISRO‑NASA collaboration calling NISAR a “global benchmark” and symbolic of scientific partnership between democracies.
Technical Features
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World’s first Earth observation satellite with dual‑frequency SAR: L‑band (NASA) and S‑band (ISRO) on a single platform, offering all‑weather, day‑and‑night, high‑resolution imagery with a 12‑day revisit cycle.
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The 2,393‑kg satellite is in a 747 km sun‑synchronous orbit, designed for a five‑year mission life.
Applications & Sectoral Impact
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Beyond climate and environmental monitoring (glacier tracking, ecosystem mapping, disaster management, agriculture), NISAR will critically support:
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Aviation safety, maritime navigation, coastal management,
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Urban infra‑planning, shipping route optimization, and air‑traffic systems.
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Partnerships & Funding
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Built on ISRO’s I‑3K bus. NASA provided the L‑band radar, GPS receiver, high‑rate telecom system, solid‑state recorder, deployable 12 m antenna. ISRO provided the S‑band radar, spacecraft bus, launch vehicle, and associated support.
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Joint mission costs estimated at USD 1.5 billion+, funded by both agencies.
Data Policy & Strategic Outlook
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Open‑access data policy designed to empower scientists, researchers, developing nations, disaster‑response agencies and climate stakeholders globally.
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Minister stated this mission signifies India’s move from utility‑based to knowledge‑based space initiatives—“launching new possibilities for global science, sustainability and shared progress”
Implications & UPSC Perspective
| Dimension | Significance |
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| Science & Technology | Enhances SAR-based Earth monitoring; improves data resolution and revisit frequency. |
| Strategic & Diplomatic | Strengthens Indo‑US space partnership; promotes soft power and global cooperation. |
| Social & Economic | Data usefulness spans disaster mitigation, agriculture planning, infrastructure, shipping, aviation. |
| Policy | Open‑access model aligns with global knowledge equity and climate governance. |
Way Forward
NISAR stands as a milestone in Earth observation and international partnership. Its dual‑band SAR capabilities, open‑access policy, and multi‑sectoral utility underscore India’s evolving role in satellite technology and data-enabled governance. Going forward, leveraging NISAR data for downstream applications (e.g. early-warning systems, urban resilience planning) and capacity building in developing countries can maximize its impact and align with global sustainability goals.
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Practice Question: “Discuss the significance of the NISAR mission in the context of India’s space capabilities and Indo‑US collaboration. Evaluate its applications across sectors and its role in global climate governance.” |
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