Daily Current Affairs : 30-October-2023
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) marks a pivotal milestone in scientific exploration, aiming to unravel the intricate relationship between Earth’s ecosystems and the global carbon cycle, thereby influencing climate change dynamics. This essay delves into the groundbreaking aspects of NISAR, highlighting its mission objectives, unique specifications, and the collaborative efforts of NASA and ISRO.
Mission Objectives:
NISAR embarks on a mission to revolutionize Earth monitoring, employing cutting-edge technology to measure changes in Earth’s ecosystems and dynamic surfaces. Its primary objectives include:
- Ecosystem Analysis: NISAR aims to meticulously measure shifts in Earth’s forests and wetlands, shedding light on their impact on the global carbon cycle.
- Ice Mass Assessment: The satellite provides invaluable data on ice masses, contributing significantly to the understanding of ice-related phenomena, crucial for climate change studies.
- Versatile Applications: NISAR’s data is instrumental in diverse fields such as biomass analysis, natural hazard prediction, monitoring sea level rise, and assessing groundwater resources.
NISAR’s Unique Specifications:
NISAR stands out due to its exceptional features and specifications:
- Joint Development: Crafted collaboratively by NASA and ISRO in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), demonstrating the power of international scientific cooperation.
- Size and Weight: Remarkably, NISAR boasts a size comparable to an SUV, yet weighs a substantial 2,800 kilograms, showcasing its advanced technology.
- Dual-Frequency Radar: Equipped with both L-band and S-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instruments, enabling comprehensive monitoring of Earth’s surface.
- All-Weather Capability: NISAR’s SAR can operate seamlessly in adverse weather conditions, ensuring continuous data collection day and night, even under cloudy skies.
Contributions of NASA and ISRO:
Both NASA and ISRO have made significant contributions to NISAR, enhancing its capabilities:
- NASA’s Innovations: NASA’s involvement includes the integration of L-band radar, GPS, a solid-state recorder, and the payload data subsystem, amplifying the satellite’s functionality.
- ISRO’s Expertise: ISRO’s contributions encompass the S-band radar, GSLV launch system, and spacecraft, underscoring their expertise in satellite technology.
Global Observations:
NISAR’s impact extends globally, emphasizing the importance of its regular and widespread observations:
- Regular Monitoring: The satellite offers a comprehensive view of land and ice-covered surfaces worldwide, employing a 12-day cycle on ascending and descending passes, ensuring thorough observation of Earth’s diverse regions.
Important Points:
- NISAR Mission Objectives:
- Analyze shifts in Earth’s ecosystems and their impact on the global carbon cycle.
- Provide crucial data on ice masses, aiding in understanding ice-related phenomena.
- Offer versatile applications, including biomass analysis, natural hazard prediction, sea level rise monitoring, and groundwater assessment.
- Unique Specifications of NISAR:
- Joint development by NASA and ISRO in Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
- Size comparable to an SUV, weighing 2,800 kilograms.
- Equipped with dual-frequency radar (L-band and S-band SAR instruments).
- All-weather capability, operating in adverse weather conditions day and night.
- Contributions of NASA and ISRO:
- NASA’s integration of L-band radar, GPS, solid-state recorder, and payload data subsystem.
- ISRO’s expertise in providing S-band radar, GSLV launch system, and spacecraft.
- Global Observations by NISAR:
- Regular monitoring of land and ice-covered surfaces worldwide.
- Operates on a 12-day cycle with ascending and descending passes, ensuring comprehensive Earth observation.
- Significance:
- Revolutionizes Earth monitoring, enhancing understanding of ecosystems and climate change dynamics.
- Showcases the power of international scientific cooperation between NASA and ISRO.
- Stands as a testament to human ingenuity, advancing our knowledge of Earth’s intricate environmental processes.
Why In News
The ‘NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar’ (NISAR) is set to revolutionize our understanding of Earth’s ecosystems by enabling scientists to study the intricate dynamics of forest and wetland ecosystems. With its advanced technology, NISAR will provide crucial insights into how these ecosystems change over time, allowing researchers to monitor the global carbon cycle and gain valuable information about their role in mitigating climate change. This groundbreaking mission will not only enhance our knowledge of environmental processes but also contribute significantly to global efforts aimed at preserving our planet’s delicate balance.
MCQs about NISAR
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What are the primary objectives of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)?
A) Analyze shifts in Earth’s ecosystems and their impact on the global carbon cycle.
B) Explore the mysteries of outer space and distant galaxies.
C) Study marine life and ocean currents.
D) Monitor atmospheric changes in Earth’s atmosphere.
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What makes NISAR unique in terms of its radar technology?
A) Single-frequency radar operating only in clear weather conditions.
B) Dual-frequency radar with L-band and S-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instruments, operating in all-weather conditions.
C) Triple-frequency radar with L-band, S-band, and X-band instruments, specialized for ice-related studies.
D) NISAR does not use radar technology; it relies on optical sensors.
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What is the significance of the large 39-foot stationary gold-plated wire mesh antenna reflector in NISAR?
A) It serves as a decorative element, enhancing the satellite’s appearance.
B) It focuses radar signals, enhancing the satellite’s functionality.
C) It measures Earth’s magnetic field for scientific research.
D) It provides solar power to the satellite.
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