ISRO begins public release of NISAR data through Bhoonidhi portal

The Indian Space Research Organisation has begun releasing data from the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar satellite to the public. The data is being made available through ISRO's Bhoonidhi geoportal, marking a significant step in making Earth observation information accessible to researchers and the public.

NISAR, a joint mission between ISRO and NASA, carries two radar systems: an L-band radar built by NASA and an S-band radar built by ISRO. The satellite has been operational and has already delivered data that is now being shared with the scientific community.

Hummingbird under the ice

One of the most striking discoveries from the early NISAR data release is a formation beneath Antarctica's ice that resembles a hummingbird. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory shared the finding, showing a detailed radar image of the sub-ice structure.

The space agency also released an optical-light image for comparison, highlighting how the radar data cuts through the ice to reveal hidden topography. The formation, shaped like a bird in flight, is a natural geological feature sculpted by ice movement and bedrock contours.

The 'hummingbird' image has drawn attention on social media, with users comparing it to a frozen ghost of the bird. Scientists, however, are more interested in what the image reveals about ice sheet dynamics and subglacial geology.

Data access through Bhoonidhi

ISRO's Bhoonidhi portal allows users to browse, search, and download NISAR S-Band SAR data products. The platform is designed for researchers, disaster management agencies, and anyone interested in satellite-based Earth observation.

The data release is expected to boost studies in areas such as agriculture monitoring, forestry, hydrology, and geology. The S-Band radar is particularly useful for observing changes in land surface, vegetation, and ice sheets.

NASA and ISRO have previously stated that NISAR data will be free and open to all users, in line with the missions' goals of fostering global scientific collaboration.

What the mission means

NISAR is designed to map the entire Earth's land and ice-covered surfaces every 12 days. It will provide a consistent, long-term record of changes in ecosystems, ice masses, and natural hazards such as earthquakes and landslides.

The satellite's ability to see through clouds and darkness makes it invaluable for monitoring regions that are often obscured, like the tropics or polar areas during winter. The S-Band radar's fine resolution allows scientists to detect subtle changes over time.

For India, the mission provides high-resolution data over the subcontinent, aiding in crop assessment, flood monitoring, and infrastructure planning.

ISRO has not yet announced a timeline for releasing the L-band data, which is processed by NASA. The space agencies are coordinating to ensure a seamless public data stream from both radar systems.

The release of NISAR data through Bhoonidhi opens a new chapter in India's Earth observation capabilities. Researchers and enthusiasts can now explore the hidden contours of the planet — including the hummingbird beneath Antarctica — directly from their screens.