- Collaboration with NASA on a radar-imaging satellite
The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite will be the first satellite with a dual-frequency radar imaging system. Valued at $1.5 billion, it is also likely to be the most expensive Earth-observation satellite ever built.
Following its planned launch onboard a GSLV Mk II rocket in 2021, it is to be placed in a Sun-synchronous orbit so its solar panels provide constant power.
The dual-frequency radar imaging system will reveal ongoing changes in Earth’s crust, the polar ice, climatic processes, biomass, etc., at a high resolution of 3-50 m, at a rapid bi-weekly pace and on a global scale. The satellite will also be used for disaster management, whereby its data will be available to use only a few hours after observations.
ISRO and NASA will place all science data from the mission in the public domain.
- Autonomous docking of spacecraft
In light of ISRO’s questionable announcement to build its own space station, this long-running, and related, internal project has received a funding boost of Rs 10 crore. Called the ‘Space Docking experiment’ (SPADEX), the mission will demonstrate autonomous rendezvous and docking of two spacecraft in orbit.
SPADEX satellites Chaser and Target Photo: ISRO
Once docked, one craft’s attitude control system will be used to control how the combined system moves. This demonstration is key to building a space station that consists of several modules working together. The technology is also required for future human interplanetary missions, where crew might have to be transferred from one craft to another. It could also be used to refuel spacecraft in orbit.
Each of the two spacecrafts in SPADEX will launch on a PSLV rocket within the next five years. On a related note, ISRO chairman K. Sivan recently called forpitches for experimental payloads to be flown on the PSLV’s fourth stage. These include proposal requests for docking and robotic-arm experiments.
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