Isro begins preparation to launch Nisar mission to space aboard GSLV Mk-II

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has reached the last stage of readiness for the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (Nisar) mission, a partnership aimed at transforming Earth observation.

Originally set for 2024, the launch encountered several postponements stemming from technical difficulties, such as overheating concerns with the satellite’s 12-meter radar antenna reflector.

The component was returned to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in 2024 for an enhancement of its reflective coating to address temperature issues during deployment. Following thorough retesting, the satellite was completely assembled at ISRO’s Bengaluru center by October 2024. NASA’s C-130 plane delivered essential equipment to India in a multi-leg trip, with final assembly finished by January 2025.

The spacecraft has now been transported to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) in Sriharikota, where ISRO is currently performing pre-launch inspections. ISRO Chairman V. Narayanan recently suggested a launch window in 2025 during a meeting with Science Minister Jitendra Singh.

The second stage of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) Mark II was sent to Sriharikota on April 26, 2025, marking the commencement of advanced launch campaign efforts. Nisar will utilize dual-band radar (L-band and S-band) to monitor the Earth’s surface every 12 days, identifying sub-centimeter variations in landforms, ice sheets, and ecosystems. Its detailed data will support disaster management, climate studies, and infrastructure oversight.

The mission signifies a strengthening of Indo-US space relations and establishes ISRO as a crucial participant in worldwide Earth science efforts. If achieved, Nisar’s datasets might revolutionize comprehension of crustal deformations, glacier behavior, and variations in the carbon cycle.

Now that the GSLV is at SDSC and payload integration is in progress, ISRO is prepared to launch one of the most awaited space missions of 2025, subject to final agency approvals.