India and the United States are scheduled to launch a collaborative microwave remote sensing satellite for Earth observation in the first quarter of the upcoming year, according to India’s Minister of Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh. The satellite, named NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), will be launched aboard India’s GSLV and operates as a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory. NISAR is designed to provide essential data for monitoring changes in Earth’s ecosystems, such as ice mass variations, vegetation biomass, sea level rise, and natural hazards, including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes, and landslides.
Minister Jitendra Singh met with a delegation from NASA, led by Administrator Bill Nelson, where they discussed various aspects of collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and NASA. The two space agencies have established a Joint Working Group (JWG) on Human Spaceflight cooperation and are exploring collaboration in areas such as radiation impact studies, micro meteorite and orbital debris shield studies, space health, and medicine aspects. Additionally, ISRO is in discussions with prominent U.S. industries, including Boeing, Blue Origin, and Voyager, to explore joint collaborations with Indian commercial entities.
NASA Administrator Bill Nelson encouraged Singh to expedite the program related to India’s first astronaut aboard a NASA rocket to the International Space Station (ISS). The two sides previously agreed to launch a two-week joint India-US spaceflight in 2024, and NASA is identifying opportunities for a Private Astronaut Mission for Indian Astronauts next year.
ISRO is also exploring the feasibility of utilizing NASA’s Hypervelocity Impact Test (HVIT) facility for testing Gaganyaan module Micrometeoroid and orbital debris (MMOD) protection shields. Bill Nelson praised ISRO for its achievements, including the successful launch of 231 satellites from the U.S. onboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV). As part of his visit, Nelson is scheduled to meet cosmonaut Rakesh Sharma, the only Indian citizen to travel in space, in Bengaluru.
