NASA-ISRO Satellite's Giant Radar Antenna Reflector Fully Deployed

The giant radar antenna reflector on the joint NASA-ISRO satellite, NISAR, has fully deployed, the space agencies announced Friday. The 12-metre wide mesh reflector unfurled in space, completing a critical milestone for the mission that will map Earth's land and ice surfaces.

Reflector Unfurls Like a Flower

The reflector, which resembles a giant blooming flower, is the largest of its kind ever deployed by NASA. It will help the satellite bounce radar signals off Earth to study changes in ecosystems, ice sheets, and natural hazards.

Engineers confirmed the successful deployment after months of planning. The operation involved releasing the folded reflector and its supporting boom, allowing it to spring into shape.

Joint Mission to Map Earth Every 12 Days

NISAR, short for NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, is a collaboration between the U.S. space agency and the Indian Space Research Organisation. It will orbit Earth and map the entire land and ice-covered surface of the planet every 12 days.

The satellite carries two radar systems: an L-band radar from NASA and an S-band radar from ISRO. Together, they will provide a detailed view of changes in forests, agricultural fields, and coastal zones.

Scientists expect NISAR to help monitor deforestation, track glacial movement, and predict earthquakes and landslides. The data will be freely available to researchers worldwide.

Deployment a High-Stakes Operation

Deploying such a large reflector in space is a delicate task. The mesh structure had to be packed tightly for launch and then unfurled without snagging or tearing.

The operation was carried out over several days, with teams at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and ISRO's control centre monitoring every step. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact timeline of the deployment sequence.

With the reflector now in place, NISAR will undergo a series of calibration and testing procedures before beginning its primary science mission.

What Comes Next

The NISAR satellite is expected to begin full science operations in the coming months, once all systems are verified. The mission is set to run for at least three years, with the potential for extension.