NASA has unveiled breathtaking radar images from its new Earth-mapping satellite, NISAR, showcasing the intricate detail achievable with this groundbreaking technology. Captured in August 2025, these initial images provide a tantalizing preview of the vast dataset to come once full science operations commence in November.
One image highlights the stunning Maine coastline, with its vibrant green forests contrasting sharply with the magenta hues representing hard surfaces like buildings and bare ground in Bar Harbor, clearly visible on Mount Desert Island. The use of NISAR's L-band radar allows for this precise differentiation of surface types.
Another image focuses on the agricultural landscape of northeastern North Dakota, revealing the intricate network of the Forest River. Light-colored wetlands and forests frame the riverbanks, while the surrounding land displays a patchwork of circular and rectangular plots, indicative of pastureland or cropland possibly used for corn or soy cultivation. The color variations offer valuable insights into land use and vegetation types.
The $1.3 billion joint U.S.-Indian mission, a collaborative effort between NASA and ISRO (the Indian Space Research Organization), will meticulously survey the Earth’s land and ice masses multiple times. By detecting even subtle shifts in land and ice, NISAR will provide invaluable data for predicting and responding to natural disasters such as floods, landslides, and volcanic eruptions, enhancing preparedness and mitigation strategies. Orbiting at a height of 464 miles (747 kilometers) in a near-polar orbit, NISAR's advanced Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology promises a revolution in Earth observation.
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Originally published at: https://apnews.com/article/satellite-nasa-india-radar-73f610a8e03fa544db8826b170ce0fcc
