Analysis of Microfinance and Rural Empowerment Initiatives
Introduction Microfinance has emerged as a vital tool for rural empowerment...
Recent Update
- The NISAR satellite has reached Sriharikota (ISRO’s launch site) and is being prepared for launch.
- This is a major Indo-US collaboration under the Earth observation and climate monitoring domain.
What is NISAR?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Form | NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar |
| Launch Site | Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota |
| Planned Launch | Likely in late 2024 or early 2025 |
| Orbit | Sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) |
| Type | Earth Observation Satellite |
| Carried by | GSLV Mk II or modified ISRO launch vehicle |
Key Objectives
- Provide high-resolution, day–night, all-weather imaging of Earth.
- Monitor:
- Deforestation and forest biomass
- Glacier melt and ice mass
- Agriculture and soil moisture
- Urban expansion and coastal erosion
- Earthquakes, landslides, and other disasters
Technical Highlights
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Payload | Dual-frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (L-band by NASA, S-band by ISRO) |
| Imaging Capability | High-resolution radar images even in cloudy or dark conditions |
| Revisit Period | ~12 days (to monitor changes over time) |
| Antenna | 12-meter wide deployable reflector boom |
NASA–ISRO Collaboration
- NASA: Responsible for L-band radar, satellite structure, launch integration.
- ISRO: Responsible for S-band radar, satellite assembly, and launch.
- Part of the larger US–India Civil Space Cooperation initiatives.
Why it Matters for India?
- Helps predict and manage natural disasters (e.g., floods, earthquakes).
- Supports climate change monitoring (especially Himalayan glaciers & carbon sinks).
- Useful in agriculture mapping, crop yield estimation, and groundwater studies.
- Boosts India’s space diplomacy and indigenous Earth-science capabilities.
GS Paper Linkages
| Paper | Relevance |
|---|---|
| GS Paper III | Disaster Management, Science & Tech, Environment |
| GS Paper II | International Relations – India–US Cooperation |
| Essay / GS IV | Ethics in Technology, Global Cooperation in Climate Action |
Mains Practice Question
“Discuss the significance of the NASA–ISRO NISAR mission in enhancing India’s disaster preparedness and environmental monitoring capabilities.” (10 marks).
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