NISAR Mission –
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
NEWS: The upcoming
launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite early next
year marks the first hardware collaboration between India’s ISRO and the US.
WHAT’S IN THE NEWS?
- Technical
and Financial Scale: The NISAR mission is notable
for its high technical sophistication and a substantial budget of $1.5
billion.
- Capabilities
of NISAR: Equipped with advanced
hyperspectral imaging, NISAR can detect minute changes on Earth's surface,
making it possible to monitor the structural health of infrastructure like
bridges and dams. It will also enhance understanding of natural phenomena
like earthquakes and volcanoes.
Advancements in Earth Observation
Technology
- Evolution
of Imaging: Satellite-based earth observation
has seen a surge due to technological advancements and reduced launch
costs. The sector has progressed from panchromatic imaging in the 1990s to
multispectral imaging around 2010, and now to hyperspectral imaging, which
analyzes a broader spectrum of light.
- Role
of Hyperspectral Imaging: This advanced
imaging technique offers detailed data by analyzing a wide range of
wavelengths, leading to diverse applications in monitoring and data
collection.
- Synthetic
Aperture Radar (SAR) Technology: SAR has improved
significantly, enabling satellites to see through obstacles like clouds
and camouflage. Innovations include GalaxEye’s multisensor imaging
satellite, combining optical and SAR sensors for enhanced image quality.
Expanding Applications of Earth
Observation
- Traditional
Sectors: Initially, the agriculture and
defense sectors led the adoption of satellite imaging. Precision
agriculture, weather forecasting, pest control, and disaster response are
early examples.
- Emerging
Sectors and Use Cases:
- Agriculture:
Satellites are helping identify crop diseases, forecast weather for
optimal agricultural practices, and monitor pest activity.
- Aquaculture:
Companies like Godrej Agrovet and ITC use satellite data to track shrimp
farming activities.
- Infrastructure
Monitoring: Satellite images assist companies
in assessing buildings under construction and spotting issues like algal
blooms that affect fisheries.
- Industrial
Use: Industries like glass manufacturing, oil, gas,
and mining are increasingly utilizing satellite data for various
operational insights.
- AI
Integration: AI’s role in geospatial analytics
is growing, providing real-time, predictive insights that improve
decision-making across sectors.
Impact of Reduced Satellite Launch Costs
- Cost
Reduction Trends: Advances in technology and lower
launch costs have made satellite deployment more affordable. A 150 kg
satellite launch costs $6-8 million today, encouraging shorter satellite
lifespans (7-8 years) to allow for quicker upgrades.
- Rise
of Private Companies: More startups are entering the
market, reflecting the growing feasibility and appeal of satellite
ventures.
- Examples
of Private Initiatives: Pixxel Space
plans to launch 18 additional satellites by 2026-2027. Nibe Space, a new
entrant, aims to deploy 40 satellites over the next six years, focusing
on satellites with optical, infrared (IR), and SAR sensors.
Future Trends in Earth Observation Market
- Market
Growth: The consultancy NovaSpace forecasts
significant growth in the earth observation (EO) market, projecting that
the number of EO satellites will nearly triple between 2024 and 2033.
- Revenue
Projections: An estimated $131 billion will be
generated in satellite manufacturing, with another $40 billion expected in
launch revenues over the next decade.
- Technological
Advances: Innovations such as AI and edge
computing (processing data onboard the satellite) are set to lower costs
further, boosting the availability and affordability of high-quality
imagery.
Long-term Potential and Opportunities
- Emerging
Use Cases: As costs decrease and technology
advances, new and creative applications are anticipated. Industries and
governments will have broader access to actionable satellite data,
enabling new opportunities.
- Wider
Accessibility: Lower prices and increased access
are likely to drive even more sectors to adopt satellite-based imaging,
supporting diverse fields like urban planning, environmental monitoring,
disaster management, and beyond.
Key Takeaways
- Global
Significance: NISAR’s launch symbolizes a major
milestone in international cooperation and technological achievement,
highlighting India’s growing prominence in the space sector.
- Technological
Momentum: Earth observation is rapidly
evolving, supported by advances in imaging technology, AI integration, and
cost-effective satellite deployment.
- Expanding
Market: With the EO satellite market on the
rise, opportunities for innovation, efficiency, and profit are expanding,
creating a vibrant ecosystem of private and governmental partnerships.