Subject to successful implementation, India and the U.S. plan to jointly launch a microwave remote sensing satellite, the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR), utilizing ISRO’s GSLV in the first quarter of 2024. A NASA delegation, led by Administrator Bill Nelson, discussed this collaboration with India’s Minister of Science & Technology and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh. Dr. Singh explained that NISAR’s launch on India’s GSLV is intended for Earth observation, providing valuable data for studying the land ecosystem, solid earth deformation, mountain and polar cryosphere, sea ice, and coastal oceans.
During the meeting, Nelson commended the successful Chandrayaan-III launch and encouraged expediting the program involving India’s first astronaut aboard a NASA rocket to the International Space Station. Both nations had agreed to a two-week joint India-U.S. spaceflight during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to the U.S.
Dr. Singh noted NASA’s identification of an opportunity for a Private Astronaut Mission for an Indian astronaut in 2014. Collaboration between ISRO and NASA extends to a joint working group focusing on human spaceflight cooperation and studies in radiation impact, micro-meteorite analysis, and orbital debris shields. The minister highlighted the flourishing space sector startups in India, with the number growing from single digits to over 150 within four years due to sector reforms initiated by PM Modi.
Additionally, ISRO is assessing the feasibility of using NASA’s hypervelocity Impact Test (HVIT) facility to test Gaganyaan module micrometeoroid and orbital debris protection shields.
Post Your Comments