The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is gearing up for several significant and ambitious missions in the near future. ISRO Chairman Dr. V. Narayanan announced that the NASA-ISRO collaborative Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite is set for launch on July 30 aboard the GSLV-F16 rocket.
This satellite will scan the entire earth’s surface every 12 days and provide high-quality images in a 242-kilometer-wide swath day and night, in all weather conditions. The aim of this mission is to strengthen research related to climate change, disaster management and earth science.
The ISRO chief said, “We are going to send the NISAR satellite into space with the help of GSLV-S16 rocket by July 30.”
GSLV-F16/NISAR Launch
Join us LIVE as GSLV-F16 lifts NISAR into orbit.
🗓️ July 30, 2025
Live from: 17:10 Hours
Liftoff at : 17:40 Hours
Link: https://t.co/flWew2LhgQ#NISAR #GSLVF16 #ISRO #NASA---Advertisement---— ISRO (@isro) July 26, 2025
The NISAR satellite is equipped with NASA’s L-band and ISRO’s S-band radar, which gives it the ability to detect changes in the surface up to the centimeter level. This satellite will systematically map the Earth’s surface and monitor processes such as melting of glaciers, changes in vegetation, and earthquakes. It will provide data needed to monitor situations such as natural disasters, environmental problems and pressure on infrastructure.
Dr. Narayanan also gave information about the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts to space. This manned mission will be preceded by three unmanned missions, including a humanoid mission. In December, a female robot named ‘Vyommitra’ will be sent to space for testing.
Other two missions: If this humanoid mission is successful, two more unmanned missions will be launched next year. After all the tests are completed, as announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Gaganyaan mission will be launched in March 2027.
ISRO chief said, “There will be three unmanned missions before Gaganyaan mission. Under the humanoid mission in December, ‘Vyommitra’ robot will be sent into space. If this mission is successful, two more tests will be conducted next year. After all the tests, Gaganyaan will be launched in March 2027.”
The name Vyommitra is made up of two Sanskrit words ‘Vyom’ (meaning space) and ‘mitra’ (meaning friend). This female robot is capable of monitoring the parameters of the spacecraft, issuing warnings and operating life support systems. It can operate six control panels and also has the ability to communicate.
Through these missions, India is expanding its technological capability in the space sector, and ISRO is playing an important role in making the country self-reliant in this direction and giving leadership on the global stage.
