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India and US also plan to launch a two-week joint space flight next year
In a landmark development for space collaboration, India and the United States are poised to launch the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), a joint microwave remote sensing satellite dedicated to Earth observation.
This significant venture is scheduled to take place in the first quarter of the upcoming year, as announced by Union Minister Jitendra Singh during a high-level meeting with NASA's delegation led by its Administrator Bill Nelson in New Delhi on Tuesday (November 28, 2023).
NISAR, set to be launched onboard India's GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle), represents a pinnacle of collaborative engineering and scientific effort between the two nations. The proven launch vehicle in ISRO's arsenal, bis tailored specifically for NISAR, with enhanced capabilities such as an improved cryogenic upper stage for more efficient orbit insertion. This modification could increase the payload capacity, allowing NISAR to carry additional scientific instruments.
Apart from monitoring Earth's topography, NISAR is additionally with climate research objectives, such as studying the impacts of climate change on glaciers and rainforests. Research on potential applications in disaster management, like monitoring natural disasters including floods, earthquakes, and landslides in real-time continues to be conducted.
This satellite is designed to provide comprehensive data highly suitable for studying a wide range of geographical features. Its advanced radar imaging capabilities will enable detailed analysis of land ecosystems, changes in the Earth's solid structure, mountain and polar cryosphere, sea ice, and coastal oceans on both regional and global scales
The technological mastery behind NISAR involves the integration of ISRO's S-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) with NASA's L-band SAR. This integration took place at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) of NASA and is currently undergoing extensive testing at the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bangalore, with the active participation of officials from NASA and JPL. The combined capabilities of the L & S band SAR are expected to provide unprecedented insights into Earth's surface changes
In addition to NISAR, the partnership between ISRO and NASA encompasses various other facets of space exploration and technology.
During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US earlier this year, the two sides agreed to launch a two-week joint India-US Space flight next year. NASA is identifying an opportunity in the Private Astronaut Mission for Indian Astronauts in 2024.
A Joint Working Group (JWG) on Human spaceflight cooperation has been formed, focusing on areas such as radiation impact studies, micro meteorite and orbital debris shield studies, and space health and medicine. The 8th meeting of the India-USA Joint Working Group on Civil Space Cooperation (CSJWG) was held in Washington DC earlier this year, echoing the depth of this bilateral cooperation.
ISRO is also exploring opportunities with leading US space industries like Boeing, Blue Origin, and Voyager for potential collaborations. These discussions aim to foster joint projects with Indian commercial entities, further expanding the scope of the India-US space partnership.
A concept paper on the Implementing Arrangement (IA) is under review, moving towards intra-governmental approvals after several rounds of mutual agreement between ISRO and NASA. The comprehensive document delineates the roles, responsibilities, and collaboration framework for joint space missions like the NISAR project.
Also intended to include are the detailed mission objectives, timelines, resource allocation, data sharing protocols, and intellectual property considerations. This paper, shaped by extensive discussions and iterations, encompasses technical, legal, and administrative aspects, ensuring alignment with national policies and international norms. Its approval is crucial for facilitating effective collaboration, risk management, and strategic alignment between ISRO and NASA, setting a precedent for future international space partnerships and potentially shaping the course of joint exploratory and scientific endeavors.
In the realm of space technology testing, ISRO is considering the use of NASA's Hypervelocity Impact Test (HVIT) facility. This facility would be instrumental in testing the Gaganyaan module's Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) protection shields, an essential component for ensuring the safety and integrity of India's manned space missions.
The strong diplomatic ties and the technical and scientific strengths of both countries are accentuated and showcased by this collaborative venture in space technology and exploration. The meeting, graced by the presence of Mr. Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to India, and marked by Mr. Nelson's recognition of ISRO's achievements in launching 231 US satellites onboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), marks the reciprocal admiration and cooperation that define the India-US space partnership
As India's space sector continues to flourish, with over 150 startups emerging in just four years since the initiation of reforms by Prime Minister Modi, this collaboration with NASA marks a significant milestone. It not only entails a technological advancement but also opens new avenues for global engagement and innovation in the realm of space exploration and science.
This significant venture is scheduled to take place in the first quarter of the upcoming year, as announced by Union Minister Jitendra Singh during a high-level meeting with NASA's delegation led by its Administrator Bill Nelson in New Delhi on Tuesday (November 28, 2023).
NISAR, set to be launched onboard India's GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle), represents a pinnacle of collaborative engineering and scientific effort between the two nations. The proven launch vehicle in ISRO's arsenal, bis tailored specifically for NISAR, with enhanced capabilities such as an improved cryogenic upper stage for more efficient orbit insertion. This modification could increase the payload capacity, allowing NISAR to carry additional scientific instruments.
Apart from monitoring Earth's topography, NISAR is additionally with climate research objectives, such as studying the impacts of climate change on glaciers and rainforests. Research on potential applications in disaster management, like monitoring natural disasters including floods, earthquakes, and landslides in real-time continues to be conducted.
This satellite is designed to provide comprehensive data highly suitable for studying a wide range of geographical features. Its advanced radar imaging capabilities will enable detailed analysis of land ecosystems, changes in the Earth's solid structure, mountain and polar cryosphere, sea ice, and coastal oceans on both regional and global scales
The technological mastery behind NISAR involves the integration of ISRO's S-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) with NASA's L-band SAR. This integration took place at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) of NASA and is currently undergoing extensive testing at the U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC) in Bangalore, with the active participation of officials from NASA and JPL. The combined capabilities of the L & S band SAR are expected to provide unprecedented insights into Earth's surface changes
In addition to NISAR, the partnership between ISRO and NASA encompasses various other facets of space exploration and technology.
During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US earlier this year, the two sides agreed to launch a two-week joint India-US Space flight next year. NASA is identifying an opportunity in the Private Astronaut Mission for Indian Astronauts in 2024.
A Joint Working Group (JWG) on Human spaceflight cooperation has been formed, focusing on areas such as radiation impact studies, micro meteorite and orbital debris shield studies, and space health and medicine. The 8th meeting of the India-USA Joint Working Group on Civil Space Cooperation (CSJWG) was held in Washington DC earlier this year, echoing the depth of this bilateral cooperation.
ISRO is also exploring opportunities with leading US space industries like Boeing, Blue Origin, and Voyager for potential collaborations. These discussions aim to foster joint projects with Indian commercial entities, further expanding the scope of the India-US space partnership.
A concept paper on the Implementing Arrangement (IA) is under review, moving towards intra-governmental approvals after several rounds of mutual agreement between ISRO and NASA. The comprehensive document delineates the roles, responsibilities, and collaboration framework for joint space missions like the NISAR project.
Also intended to include are the detailed mission objectives, timelines, resource allocation, data sharing protocols, and intellectual property considerations. This paper, shaped by extensive discussions and iterations, encompasses technical, legal, and administrative aspects, ensuring alignment with national policies and international norms. Its approval is crucial for facilitating effective collaboration, risk management, and strategic alignment between ISRO and NASA, setting a precedent for future international space partnerships and potentially shaping the course of joint exploratory and scientific endeavors.
In the realm of space technology testing, ISRO is considering the use of NASA's Hypervelocity Impact Test (HVIT) facility. This facility would be instrumental in testing the Gaganyaan module's Micrometeoroid and Orbital Debris (MMOD) protection shields, an essential component for ensuring the safety and integrity of India's manned space missions.
The strong diplomatic ties and the technical and scientific strengths of both countries are accentuated and showcased by this collaborative venture in space technology and exploration. The meeting, graced by the presence of Mr. Eric Garcetti, the US Ambassador to India, and marked by Mr. Nelson's recognition of ISRO's achievements in launching 231 US satellites onboard the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), marks the reciprocal admiration and cooperation that define the India-US space partnership
As India's space sector continues to flourish, with over 150 startups emerging in just four years since the initiation of reforms by Prime Minister Modi, this collaboration with NASA marks a significant milestone. It not only entails a technological advancement but also opens new avenues for global engagement and innovation in the realm of space exploration and science.
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