The NISAR cost $1.5 billion and took over 10 years to build.
Thousands of students assembled in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, to observe the launch of NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), an Earth observation satellite. The anticipated launch of NISAR occurred from Satish Dhawan Space Centre at 5:40 p.m. IST on board the GSLV-F16 rocket.
The mood at India's primary spaceport was electric as students, some of whom waved national flags and wore school uniform, flocked early to witness the historic event. Teachers who were with the students referred to the event as a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" for students to witness space science firsthand.
It was developed as a collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA. NISAR is the world's first Earth-monitoring satellite to employ dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar, integrating both NASA's L-band and ISRO's S-band technologies.
The combination of the two will enable NISAR to deliver very high-resolution information on the Earth's evolving surface. It will enable research into climate change, glacier melting, natural hazards such as earthquakes and landslides, and even farm yields.
From Himalayan ice melts to coastal erosion, NISAR will give us vital insight into processes that sculpt our planet," a scientist at ISRO explained. "It's a progress in environmental science and disaster relief."
Aside from its scientific purpose, NISAR is also seen as a shining example of space technology collaboration between nations. The two agencies cooperated closely on the mission for more than a decade, combining cutting-edge modules from their own respective space programs.
"This is not only a launch, it's a symbol of scientific solidarity," an ISRO official stated. "It's a sign of years of combined effort, innovation, and confidence between the United States and India."
As the rocket vanished into the horizon, students applauded, their eyes aglow with visions of space and science. For most, the NISAR launch was not a moment to see, but a moment to dream.
