NASA and ISRO Putting Brakes on NISAR Satellite Launch, Reviewing New Dates
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA are closely examining the launch windows for the upcoming NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) mission, a collaborative project that has been in the works for some time. The satellite, designed to operate in a Low Earth Orbit, has been thoroughly tested at ISRO’s facility in Bengaluru and is now awaiting transportation to the Sriharikota spaceport, approximately 110 kilometers away. Initially slated for May or June, the launch could be pushed further back, pending successful completion of the satellite’s final tests at the SHAR Range.
According to NASA’s official website, the NISAR satellite has undergone all necessary testing at the ISRO Satellite Integration and Testing Establishment in Bengaluru and is now in transit to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The launch will utilize ISRO’s Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle Mark-II (GSLV Mk-II) rocket. A recent setback has, however, necessitated a revised timeline. Initially, the satellite was moved to Sriharikota, but technical issues have arisen that require addressing the reflector antenna, a critical component of the NISAR system. “The NISAR satellite, a joint venture between NASA and ISRO, was indeed taken back from Sriharikota for further testing, specifically for the reflector antenna, which is a crucial component of the NISAR’s radar system,” clarified the statement.
The cause of the delay lies in a potential overheating problem upon launch detected in the 12-meter-wide reflector antenna. “To address this, the reflector antenna was returned to the US for a special thermal coating to prevent overheating. After the coating was applied, the antenna was returned to India for reintegration with the NISAR satellite and further testing,” provided NASA, releasing more information about the problems they’ve been experiencing with the mission. The changes in the schedule will see NISAR being launched later in the year, prompting revised plans between the space agencies.
Original Source: https://tripurachronicle.in/national-news/nasa-isro-reviewing-dates-for-launch-of-indo-us-joint-nisar-mission/
Category : National News
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Publish Date: 2025-04-14 13:22:00
