NISAR (NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)

The launch of NISAR (NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) has been one of the most talked-about milestones in the 2025 geospatial calendar, hasn't it

NISAR launch on July 30 , 2025 indeed marks a historic leap in global Earth observation, combining the best of American and Indian deep-space radar science

It is a breakthrough tech platform that may unlock more insights about Earth in the next half a decade than we’ve gained in 300,000 years in human evolution !!

But why so ? This is primarily due to 3 key synergetic reasons

1️⃣ Its the worlds first Dual-Band SAR (L-band + S-band):
This helps penetrate deep into vegetation, ice, soil, and structures—revealing layered insights into Earth’s dynamic geological and eco systems.

2️⃣Free Global Data Access:
Unlike other compatible EOS Sat data, NISAR observation data will be freely available to geospatial researchers and agencies worldwide via NASA Alaska & ISRO Bhuvan.

4️⃣ Coincidental EOS plus GenAI Synergy:
NISAR Launch is timed perfectly with GenAI’s rise—research models like GeoGPT plus improvised geospatial applications of generic Gen AI models like Claude, GPT 5, Gemini. This can turn raw Earth data into AI driven predictive intelligence at minimal cost in-order for the human race to collectively protect our planet

✅ In my own experience as a geospatial data scientist, I hit a clear bottleneck between 2022–and early 2023, especially when trying to improve the accuracy of image mining classification models for identifying tree species and other fine-grained strand level insights from open source canopy-level imagery of urban forests.

With NISAR’s dual-band SAR particularly the S band capability, open-access data, and the recent leap in GenAI models, we now have the perfect combination to break through those limitations.

✅ While working on my own potential application for urban forestry management centric around NISAR data, I realized it might be worth sharing a few key insights with the broader geospatial data science community.

Most of my posts typically revolve around HR and People Analytics — but this one’s an exception.

🛡️ Disclaimer: All the data in this post and the accompanying infographic have been sourced from publicly available, open-source material on the internet.

Some comparative analysis tables were generated using openly accessible large language models (LLMs) to aid synthesis and visualization. Your inputs addons are welcome

1. PEOPLEGENAI
Raja Sengupta
https://www.linkedin.com/in/senguptaraja/ II. Cutting-Edge Technology & Performance
Engineering breakthroughs that redefine satellite observation
3. Engineering Marvel – Dual-Band SAR, SweepSAR, Orbit Mechanics &
Revisit Game
4. Power Features – Millimeter Precision, Deep Earth Peering, Mega Swath
Coverage
10. Snapshot of Superiority – Specs That Set the Global Benchmark
11. The Competitive Edge – NISAR vs. The World’s Best SAR Satellites
II. Cutting-Edge Technology & Performance
Engineering breakthroughs that redefine satellite observation
3. Engineering Marvel – Dual-Band SAR, SweepSAR, Orbit Mechanics &
Revisit Game
4. Power Features – Millimeter Precision, Deep Earth Peering, Mega Swath
Coverage
10. Snapshot of Superiority – Specs That Set the Global Benchmark
11. The Competitive Edge – NISAR vs. The World’s Best SAR Satellites
NISAR [ NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar ]
What if we could see the Earth’s heartbeat?
Let the human race see the Earth's heartbeat.
Key Topics Covered in the Infographic at a Glance:
The NISAR Mission & Vision
Setting the stage for a new era in Earth Observation
1. Mission Unveiled – The Bold Vision Behind NISAR
2. Why It Changes Everything – Scientific, Strategic & Planetary Stakes
6. The NASA–ISRO Synergy – Who Built What and How It All Connects
8. Strategic Superpower – Diplomacy, Data Democracy & Space Leadership
The NISAR Mission & Vision
Setting the stage for a new era in Earth Observation
1. Mission Unveiled – The Bold Vision Behind NISAR
2. Why It Changes Everything – Scientific, Strategic & Planetary Stakes
6. The NASA–ISRO Synergy – Who Built What and How It All Connects
8. Strategic Superpower – Diplomacy, Data Democracy & Space Leadership
III. Real-World Use Cases & Data Integration
How NISAR reshapes global understanding of Earth
5. Earth in Focus – Tackling Climate, Forests, Disasters, Crops & Quakes
7. GenAI x NISAR – Supercharging Earth Data with Predictive Intelligence
12. Fusion Intelligence – Blending NISAR with Global EO Datasets
9. Data for All – Open Access, Public Portals & Crisis Response Speed
III. Real-World Use Cases & Data Integration
How NISAR reshapes global understanding of Earth
5. Earth in Focus – Tackling Climate, Forests, Disasters, Crops & Quakes
7. GenAI x NISAR – Supercharging Earth Data with Predictive Intelligence
12. Fusion Intelligence – Blending NISAR with Global EO Datasets
9. Data for All – Open Access, Public Portals & Crisis Response Speed
IIV. Future Outlook & Legacy
What this launch means for the planet, science, and the future
13. 2026 & Beyond – What NISAR Will Reveal That No Satellite Has
14. Final Word – Legacy, Innovation & What Comes Next
IIV. Future Outlook & Legacy
What this launch means for the planet, science, and the future
13. 2026 & Beyond – What NISAR Will Reveal That No Satellite Has
14. Final Word – Legacy, Innovation & What Comes Next

2. What is NISAR?What is NISAR?
NISAR (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar)
is a pioneering Earth observation satellite.
It's the first to combine dual-band SAR (L-
band and S-band) on a single platform
A Breakthrough:A Breakthrough:
NISAR is more than a satellite; it's a
"civilizational lens." Its success can catalyze
policy shifts, international cooperation, and
economic opportunities while safeguarding
lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems PEOPLEGENAI
Raja Sengupta
https://www.linkedin.com/in/senguptaraja/

3. Unprecedented Earth
Observation Capabilities
Unprecedented Earth
Observation Capabilities
Dual-Band SAR
L-band (NASA): Penetrates vegetation, sand, and ice for deep insights.
S-band (ISRO): Captures surface-level details like crops and water.
Radar Resolution:
Can detect surface movement as small as 1 cm.
Uses interferometric and polarimetric capabilities
for extreme accuracy.
Imaging Cycle:
Repeats imaging of the entire Earth's ice every 12 days.
Enables near real-time monitoring.
Development History & Timeline
Started: Collaboration between ISRO & NASA started Sept 30, 2014
Duration: 10+ years of intense joint engineering, integration, and
mission planning.
Commissioning Phase: 90 days post-launch, involving radar
alignment and orbital tuning
Launch Date: July 30, 2025
Started: Collaboration between ISRO & NASA started Sept 30, 2014
Duration: 10+ years of intense joint engineering, integration, and
mission planning.
Commissioning Phase: 90 days post-launch, involving radar
alignment and orbital tuning
Launch Date: July 30, 2025 PEOPLEGENAI
Raja Sengupta
https://www.linkedin.com/in/senguptaraja/

4. NISAR’s Role
in Shaping the Future of Our Planet
NISAR’s Role
in Shaping the Future of Our Planet
Most Advanced Satellite: Arguably the most advanced Earth
observation satellite ever launched.
Space Diplomacy: Pioneers a new era of collaboration between
international agencies and technology partners.
Global Benchmark: Sets the standard for open-access, high-resolution
Earth data worldwide.
Generative AI Synergy: Its launch aligns with the rise of generative AI,
amplifying scientific, strategic, and societal impact.
Future Insights: In the next two years, NISAR is expected to reveal
global-scale insights about our planet that were once unimaginable.
Most Advanced Satellite: Arguably the most advanced Earth
observation satellite ever launched.
Space Diplomacy: Pioneers a new era of collaboration between
international agencies and technology partners.
Global Benchmark: Sets the standard for open-access, high-resolution
Earth data worldwide.
Generative AI Synergy: Its launch aligns with the rise of generative AI,
amplifying scientific, strategic, and societal impact.
Future Insights: In the next two years, NISAR is expected to reveal
global-scale insights about our planet that were once unimaginable.
NASA–ISRO and the NISAR Mission : 11 Years
of In Depth Strategic Collaboration [ 2014 - 2025 ]
NASA–ISRO and the NISAR Mission : 11 Years
of In Depth Strategic Collaboration [ 2014 - 2025 ]
Role NASA ISRO
Radar Hardware L-band radar, radar
reflector, GPS, solid-
state record
S-band radar, payload
integration, calibration
Satellite Bus
____
Developed by UR Rao
Satellite Centre,
Bengaluru
Launch Vehicle
____
GSLV-F16, 18th GSLV
flight, first to polar orbit
Operations
Orbit & radar plan
Satellite commanding
and mission ops
Ground Stations
Shared support for
data download and
processing
National Remote Sensing
Centre (Hyderabad) for
S-band reception PEOPLEGENAI
Raja Sengupta
https://www.linkedin.com/in/senguptaraja/

5. NISAR vs Top SAR Missions
in Earth Observation
(Vegetation, Biomass, Ice Caps, Tectonic Plates)
NISAR vs Top SAR Missions
in Earth Observation
(Vegetation, Biomass, Ice Caps, Tectonic Plates)
Application Domain Comparative Satellite(s) NISAR Advantage / Differentiator
Vegetation &
Biomass
Monitoring
ALOS 2 (Japan, L band
PALSAR-2): excels in
forest/biomass mapping;
Sentinel 1 (ESA, C band):
frequent revisit but less
sensitive to vegetation
depth
Dual-band (L band +
S band) enables probing
both deep biomass
(L band) and surface
structure (S band)—more
insightful than single-band
systems.
Wide Area
Coverage with
High Resolution
Sentinel 1 (C band): 5 m
resolution, ~410 km swath;
RADARSAT 2 (Canada):
versatile modes; TerraSAR X
(Germany): high-resolution
imaging.
SweepSAR architecture
delivers both wide swath
(≈240 km) + consistent 5 m
resolution using one
instrument—a balance not
easily achieved with
conventional SAR designs.
All Weather, Day/
Night Imaging
Same capability, but
enhanced by dual-
frequency data fusion for
richer feature detection
across conditions.
Interferometry &
Displacement
Sensitivity
Sentinel 1: able to detect
subsidence via InSAR (20 m
resolution, 12 day revisit).
GF 3 (China, C band
quad pol): comparable
PS InSAR accuracy to
Sentinel 1 (~2 mm/yr),
higher point density.
NISAR achieves mm level
deformation detection
globally every ~12 days—but
with added depth
sensitivity (via L band) and
surface layering (via
S band).
Nearly all SAR platforms
(Sentinel 1, ALOS 2,
RADARSAT 2, GF 3) offer
that capability. PEOPLEGENAI
Raja Sengupta
https://www.linkedin.com/in/senguptaraja/

6. NISAR vs Top SAR Missions
in Earth Observation
(Vegetation, Biomass, Ice Caps, Tectonic Plates)
NISAR vs Top SAR Missions
in Earth Observation
(Vegetation, Biomass, Ice Caps, Tectonic Plates)
Application Domain Comparative Satellite(s) NISAR Advantage / Differentiator
Polarimetric Capability GF 3 (China):
quad polarimetric C band,
versatile modes, 1–500 m
resolution, but calibration
gaps. RADARSAT 2, ALOS 2:
mature polarimetry with
robust calibration
Offers dual-band
polarimetric SAR with
planned calibration from
inception—far broader
insights into vegetation, soil,
and surface characteristics.
Global Data Access &
Frequency
Sentinel 1: free data within
24 h; RADARSAT 2, GF 3,
ALOS 2: mostly commercial
or restricted.
NISAR provides open-
access data globally within
1–2 days, and near-real-
time during
disasters.WikipediaEO
Portal
Multi Agency /
International
Collaboration
NISAR is a co development
by NASA and ISRO—a rare
high-stakes, cross-national
partnership combining
expertise and infrastructure.
Infrastructure
Monitoring
(Urban/Subsurface)
Sentinel 1: used in urban
subsidence monitoring;
RADARSAT 2/ALOS 2: civil
applications.
With dual-band
architecture, NISAR
captures both shallow
structural shifts and deeper
subsidence phenomena
with higher fidelity.
Most missions are national
or regional (ESA, JAXA,
CNSA, CSA). PEOPLEGENAI
Raja Sengupta
https://www.linkedin.com/in/senguptaraja/

7. Summing The Highlights
· Dual band (L + S) enables multi-layer insight—surface and subsurface—
unparalleled among peers.
· SweepSAR combines wide swath and high resolution in a single platform.
· mm-level deformation detection globally with superior revisit and
penetration capabilities.
· Fully open data policy, with rapid access—even faster during emergencies.
· Civilian science + diplomacy: A symbol of collaborative technological
leadership.

Unlocking Humanity’s Next Leap:
Impact of This Capability Over the Coming 2 Years

· Earthquake & Landslide Precursors → Life-saving insights in vulnerable
zones potentially impacting millions around the globe
· Urban Heat Islands & Land Use Change → Planning for resilient megacities
around the globe
· Forest Biomass & Carbon Baselines → Fuel for climate negotiations and
net-zero planning.
· Arctic & Glacier Retreat Analysis → Crucial for projecting sea-level rise.

Voices That Matter: How Experts & Visionaries View NISAR’s
Impact
· Karen St Germain (NASA Earth Science Director): “The most
sophisticated radar we've ever built.”
· Nicky Fox (NASA Science Chief): “A jewel satellite that will change how we
study Earth and predict disasters.”
· Jitendra Singh (Indian Space Minister): “A game-changer for disaster
management.”
· Paul Rosen (NASA-JPL): "Can measure displacements down to millimetres.
Earth becomes a movie — not just a photo."
ISRO Chairman: “Not just used by India or US—but the whole globe.”
NASA Scientist Gerald Bawden: “We’ve never collected this much Earth
data before.
Summing The Highlights
· Dual band (L + S) enables multi-layer insight—surface and subsurface—
unparalleled among peers.
· SweepSAR combines wide swath and high resolution in a single platform.
· mm-level deformation detection globally with superior revisit and
penetration capabilities.
· Fully open data policy, with rapid access—even faster during emergencies.
· Civilian science + diplomacy: A symbol of collaborative technological
leadership.

Unlocking Humanity’s Next Leap:
Impact of This Capability Over the Coming 2 Years

· Earthquake & Landslide Precursors → Life-saving insights in vulnerable
zones potentially impacting millions around the globe
· Urban Heat Islands & Land Use Change → Planning for resilient megacities
around the globe
· Forest Biomass & Carbon Baselines → Fuel for climate negotiations and
net-zero planning.
· Arctic & Glacier Retreat Analysis → Crucial for projecting sea-level rise.

Voices That Matter: How Experts & Visionaries View NISAR’s
Impact
· Karen St Germain (NASA Earth Science Director): “The most
sophisticated radar we've ever built.”
· Nicky Fox (NASA Science Chief): “A jewel satellite that will change how we
study Earth and predict disasters.”
· Jitendra Singh (Indian Space Minister): “A game-changer for disaster
management.”
· Paul Rosen (NASA-JPL): "Can measure displacements down to millimetres.
Earth becomes a movie — not just a photo."
ISRO Chairman: “Not just used by India or US—but the whole globe.”
NASA Scientist Gerald Bawden: “We’ve never collected this much Earth
data before. PEOPLEGENAI
Raja Sengupta
https://www.linkedin.com/in/senguptaraja/

8. All-weather
imaging, crop &
forest mapping,
flood mappingUpgraded
electronics
& flexibility over
RISAT-1A
Supports multiple
imaging modes High revisit rate,
open-access data
❌ Single-band
❌ Vegetation
and deep
subsurface less
penetrable than
L-bandGood penetration
through vegetation
❌ No S-band
❌ More limited
swath and
accessVery high resolution
❌ Shallow
penetration
❌ Narrow swath
❌ Not free
access
NISAR vs. Existing Top Global Satellites for
Life-Saving Earth Observation in
[Disaster Prevention & Monitoring]
Satellite
NISAR
NASA–ISRO (2024)
( USA / India )
Country/Agency
SAR
Band Type
Dual-band
SAR (L & S)
12 days (global);
<6 days with
beam steering
Revisit Frequency Resolution
~3–10 m
Key Disaster
Monitoring
Capabilities
Earthquake,
landslide,
flood,
volcano,
glacial
movement,
biomass loss
Differentiators
First dual-band SAR
mission
Global 3D
displacement maps
Consistent
polarimetric modes
Open-access data
(ISRO + NASA)
Limitations
(vs. NISAR)
None – Sets a
new
benchmark
RISAT-1B
ISRO ( India )
S-band SAR
~12–14 days
~1–3 m
(spotlight
mode)
No L-band SAR
Less effective in
deep biomass or
tectonic
deformation
Sentinel-
1A/B
ESA
( European Union )
C-band SAR
6–12 days
~5 m
Flood mapping,
surface motion,
oil spills
ALOS-2
JAXA ( Japan )
L-band SAR
~14 days
~1–3 m
Earthquake,
volcano, forestry,
ice sheetsRADARSAT
Constellation
Canada C-band SAR 4 days
(combined)
~3–100 m
Maritime
monitoring,
disaster responseHigh coverage +
beam flexibility
❌ Lower
biomass
penetration
❌ Mostly
commercial
access
TerraSAR-
X/TanDEM-X
Germany
X-band SAR
~11 days
~1 m
Urban
infrastructure,
landslides
Gaofen-3
China
C-band SAR
~8 days
1–500 m
Disaster relief,
flood, landslides,
maritimeNational EO support,
all-weather
❌ Access
limitations
❌ No dual-
band capability
COSMO-
SkyMed
Italy
X-band SAR
Multiple per
day (constellation)
~1 m
Urban monitoring,
landslide,
infrastructureFast revisit, high-res
imagery
❌ Not ideal for
vegetated zones
❌ Subscription
required PEOPLEGENAI
Raja Sengupta
https://www.linkedin.com/in/senguptaraja/

9. 1. Unprecedented Dual-Frequency SAR
· L-band SAR (NASA): Deep penetration through forests, soil,
glaciers, and infrastructure layers — ideal for deformation,
biomass, tectonics.
· S-band SAR (ISRO): Sensitive to surface moisture, snow,
vegetation, and shallow dynamics — excellent for climate,
agriculture, and ecosystem health.
· No other satellite in the world offers both in a single mission.
This unlocks multi-dimensional Earth sensing as never
experienced before.
2. World’s Largest Data Volume from a SAR
Mission
· Will generate ~85 TB/day, ~35–40 Petabytes/year.
· That’s >20× Sentinel-1’s annual archive and larger than any
commercial constellation today.
3. Global Open-Access Policy
· Most "powerful" satellites (like TerraSAR-X, RADARSAT, or
commercial constellations) are data-restricted or paid.
· NISAR’s data will be free and accessible globally — this
democratizes high-end Earth sensing, enabling AI research, local
disaster response, and climate monitoring by developing nations
and small orgs.
4. Breadth + Depth + Frequency + Precision
· Global 12-day revisit with:
o 240 km swath width
o 1–10 meter resolution
o Interferometric precision (1 cm vertical shifts)
· No other single EOS satellite offers this combination.
NISAR can accurately be called the world’s most powerful Earth
Observation satellite, when evaluated as a science-grade, open-
access, multi-frequency radar platform for planetary-scale
geoscience, climate monitoring, and disaster mitigation. PEOPLEGENAI
Raja Sengupta
https://www.linkedin.com/in/senguptaraja/

10. ??????️ Applications & Use Cases
&#3627867915; Disaster Management
Detects early signs of quakes, landslides, volcanoes, dam risks.
Enables rapid response & 3D damage mapping.
?????? Agriculture & Environment
Tracks crops, soil moisture, biomass, wetlands, forests.
Supports conservation & carbon accounting.
?????? Cryosphere Monitoring
Observes polar ice sheets, sea ice & Himalayan glaciers.
Key for glacial lake flood (GLOF) risk.
?????? Infrastructure
Monitors roads, bridges, cities for vertical/lateral shifts.
Aids smart city & safety planning.
&#3627867914; Marine & Coastal
Detects erosion, sea-level rise, oil spills.
Supports ship tracking & marine safety.
?????? Earth Systems & Ecology
Forest dynamics, biomass, wetlands, crop yields, soil moisture.
Tracks ecosystem shifts under climate change.
&#3627867914; Cryosphere & Oceans
Monitors glacier melt, GLOFs, sea-level rise.
Tracks sea ice drift & Antarctic movement.
&#3627867915; Disasters & Infrastructure
Early quake, landslide, volcano, flood detection.
Monitors subsidence, dams, bridges & cities.
??????️ Advanced Capabilities
Penetrates clouds, vegetation, soil & ice — day/night, all-weather.
SweepSAR + polarimetric & interferometric SAR.
Millimeter-level displacement accuracy.
??????️ Applications & Use Cases
&#3627867915; Disaster Management
Detects early signs of quakes, landslides, volcanoes, dam risks.
Enables rapid response & 3D damage mapping.
?????? Agriculture & Environment
Tracks crops, soil moisture, biomass, wetlands, forests.
Supports conservation & carbon accounting.
?????? Cryosphere Monitoring
Observes polar ice sheets, sea ice & Himalayan glaciers.
Key for glacial lake flood (GLOF) risk.
?????? Infrastructure
Monitors roads, bridges, cities for vertical/lateral shifts.
Aids smart city & safety planning.
&#3627867914; Marine & Coastal
Detects erosion, sea-level rise, oil spills.
Supports ship tracking & marine safety.
?????? Earth Systems & Ecology
Forest dynamics, biomass, wetlands, crop yields, soil moisture.
Tracks ecosystem shifts under climate change.
&#3627867914; Cryosphere & Oceans
Monitors glacier melt, GLOFs, sea-level rise.
Tracks sea ice drift & Antarctic movement.
&#3627867915; Disasters & Infrastructure
Early quake, landslide, volcano, flood detection.
Monitors subsidence, dams, bridges & cities.
??????️ Advanced Capabilities
Penetrates clouds, vegetation, soil & ice — day/night, all-weather.
SweepSAR + polarimetric & interferometric SAR.
Millimeter-level displacement accuracy. PEOPLEGENAI
Raja Sengupta
https://www.linkedin.com/in/senguptaraja/

11. NISAR & Ecological Disasters:
How It Could Have Helped Uttarakhand Flash Floods (India, 2013)
Cause: GLOF + rainfall | 5,700+ dead
?????? Monitors glacial lakes & moraine weakening
?????? Tracks terrain deformation (InSAR)
?????? Identifies soil moisture & flood risk
?????? 12-day revisit → early evacuation alerts
Japan Earthquake & Tsunami (2011) Cause:
Subduction quake + tsunami | 20,000 deaths
?????? Detects tectonic strain buildup
?????? Rapid flood & damage mapping (all-weather SAR)
?????? Monitors coastal & reactor subsidence
Larsen B Ice Shelf Collapse (2002)
Impact: 3,250 km² ice loss, faster glacier flow
?????? L-band + S-band detect melt & fractures
?????? Tracks crevasse widening & ice flow
?????? Early collapse warning, years in advance
Hurricane Harvey (USA, 2017)
Impact: $125B damage | 100+ deaths
?????? Flood mapping through clouds/night
?????? Tracks levee, dam & urban strain
?????? Maps agricultural flood extent for relief
Mount Nyiragongo Eruption (DRC, 2021)
Impact: 30+ deaths, 400k displaced
?????? Tracks magma buildup (InSAR)
?????? Detects land uplift & cracks
?????? Enables targeted evacuations
Amazon Deforestation (Brazil, 2019–ongoing)
Impact: 900k+ ha lost in 2019
?????? Detects canopy thinning before full clearing
?????? Near real-time illegal logging alerts
?????? Accurate biomass & carbon accounting
Cumulative Human Impact
✔ Earlier warnings = lives saved
✔ Faster disaster mapping = reduced
recovery time
✔ Better targeting for climate & conservation
action
NISAR + AI = Game-Changer
?????? 40PB/year analyzed by ML/AI
?????? Auto disaster-risk maps
?????? Localized early-warning & planning tools
Bonus: NISAR + AI = Compounding Value
· AI/ML models can analyze NISAR’s massive data stream (up to 40 PB/year) to:
o Detect subtle precursor patterns across time and geography.
o Auto-generate disaster risk maps.
o Provide recommendations for local planning and early warnings.
With open-access datasets and public APIs, this synergy will enable global research communities,
disaster agencies, and even NGOs to build automated, predictive, and localized decision systems.
PEOPLEGENAI
Raja Sengupta
https://www.linkedin.com/in/senguptaraja/

12. NISAR Meets Generative AI: Unlocking a New
Era in Earth Intelligence
1. Vast Generations of Raw Data for AI
NISAR is expected to churn out tens of terabytes (estimated
~80 TB/day) of radar data. This big data stream is a sandbox
for AI-driven geospatial modeling, from hazard forecasting to
climate risk assessment.AInvest+1
2. Real-Time, Onboard AI Processing Possibility
Emerging AI platforms like Physics-Aware Neuromorphic
Networks (PANN) can process data on-board, flagging only
the most urgent hazard-related information for immediate
ground transmission. This drastically shortens latency in
critical situations.arXiv
3. Enhanced Hazard Detection via Machine Learning
Deep learning models—like CNNs trained on SAR data—are
already proving effective in identifying landslides under dense
cloud cover. NISAR’s high-resolution data will accelerate such
models’ accuracy and predictive power.NASA Jet Propulsion
Laboratory+15arXiv+15AInvest+15
4. AI-Driven Conversational Interfaces for EO
Advanced models like EarthDial, a Vision-Language Model
tailored for EO, can convert complex SAR datasets into intuitive,
interactive dialogues—bridging the gap between data
scientists and decision-makers.arXiv
5. Responsible AI for Global Application
As AI systems scale up, considerations like fairness, privacy,
and interpretability will be paramount. Efforts in "Responsible AI
for EO" are underway to ensure NISAR’s data usage is ethical
and transparent.arXiv
NISAR Meets Generative AI: Unlocking a New
Era in Earth Intelligence
1. Vast Generations of Raw Data for AI
NISAR is expected to churn out tens of terabytes (estimated
~80 TB/day) of radar data. This big data stream is a sandbox
for AI-driven geospatial modeling, from hazard forecasting to
climate risk assessment.AInvest+1
2. Real-Time, Onboard AI Processing Possibility
Emerging AI platforms like Physics-Aware Neuromorphic
Networks (PANN) can process data on-board, flagging only
the most urgent hazard-related information for immediate
ground transmission. This drastically shortens latency in
critical situations.arXiv
3. Enhanced Hazard Detection via Machine Learning
Deep learning models—like CNNs trained on SAR data—are
already proving effective in identifying landslides under dense
cloud cover. NISAR’s high-resolution data will accelerate such
models’ accuracy and predictive power.NASA Jet Propulsion
Laboratory+15arXiv+15AInvest+15
4. AI-Driven Conversational Interfaces for EO
Advanced models like EarthDial, a Vision-Language Model
tailored for EO, can convert complex SAR datasets into intuitive,
interactive dialogues—bridging the gap between data
scientists and decision-makers.arXiv
5. Responsible AI for Global Application
As AI systems scale up, considerations like fairness, privacy,
and interpretability will be paramount. Efforts in "Responsible AI
for EO" are underway to ensure NISAR’s data usage is ethical
and transparent.arXiv PEOPLEGENAI
Raja Sengupta
https://www.linkedin.com/in/senguptaraja/

13. How Will Agencies Access NISAR Data?
1. Via NASA Earthdata (Alaska Satellite Facility)
· Website: https://asf.alaska.edu
· Requires free registration with NASA Earthdata Login
· Features:
o Global L-band SAR scenes (standard and advanced products)
o Tools: Vertex, HyP3, Jupyter Notebooks
o Download APIs for automated pipelines
2. Via ISRO’s Platforms
· Bhuvan Geoportal: https://bhuvan.nrsc.gov.in
· MOSDAC (Meteorological and Oceanographic Satellite Data Archival
Centre): https://mosdac.gov.in
· Features:
o India-specific S-band SAR data
o Access to value-added products (e.g., agricultural, flood, forest analytics)
o API or CSV query-based download tools
3. Scientific Mirror Sites and Cloud Hosting
· Expected: Mirror datasets via Google Earth Engine, AWS Open Data
Registry, or Microsoft Planetary Computer (negotiations ongoing)
· This will:
o Enable AI/ML workflows directly on cloud
o Remove bandwidth limitations for institutions in low-infra internet regions
How Will Agencies Access NISAR Data?
1. Via NASA Earthdata (Alaska Satellite Facility)
· Website: https://asf.alaska.edu
· Requires free registration with NASA Earthdata Login
· Features:
o Global L-band SAR scenes (standard and advanced products)
o Tools: Vertex, HyP3, Jupyter Notebooks
o Download APIs for automated pipelines
2. Via ISRO’s Platforms
· Bhuvan Geoportal: https://bhuvan.nrsc.gov.in
· MOSDAC (Meteorological and Oceanographic Satellite Data Archival
Centre): https://mosdac.gov.in
· Features:
o India-specific S-band SAR data
o Access to value-added products (e.g., agricultural, flood, forest analytics)
o API or CSV query-based download tools
3. Scientific Mirror Sites and Cloud Hosting
· Expected: Mirror datasets via Google Earth Engine, AWS Open Data
Registry, or Microsoft Planetary Computer (negotiations ongoing)
· This will:
o Enable AI/ML workflows directly on cloud
o Remove bandwidth limitations for institutions in low-infra internet regions Global NISAR Data Access Overview Global NISAR Data Access OverviewRegionRegion Access PlatformAccess Platform
Agency
Responsibility
Agency
ResponsibilityKey NotesKey Notes
United States &
Global
United States &
Global
NASA’s Earthdata platform via the
Alaska Satellite Facility (ASF
NASA’s Earthdata platform via the
Alaska Satellite Facility (ASF
NASA (JPL/ASF)NASA (JPL/ASF)
Will host L-band SAR
products, provide tools for
visualization, download,
and API access
Will host L-band SAR
products, provide tools for
visualization, download,
and API access
IndiaIndia
ISRO’s Bhuvan & MOSDAC
platforms
ISRO’s Bhuvan & MOSDAC
platforms
ISRO (NRSC,
SAC)
ISRO (NRSC,
SAC)
Will host S-band SAR
products, customized to
Indian geographical &
strategic use cases
Will host S-band SAR
products, customized to
Indian geographical &
strategic use cases
Other CountriesOther Countries Either NASA (ASF) or ISRO portalsEither NASA (ASF) or ISRO portals
——
NISAR is open-access
globally; no national
restrictions on scientific
usage
NISAR is open-access
globally; no national
restrictions on scientific
usage PEOPLEGENAI
Raja Sengupta
https://www.linkedin.com/in/senguptaraja/

14. Licensing & Usage Terms
· Fully open access
· No user fees
· Data use requires acknowledgment per NASA/ISRO guidelines
Strategic Tip for Agencies & Geospatial startups
To maximize NISAR usage, agencies can:
1. Register early with ASF or ISRO to join pilot access groups
2. Set up automated download and processing pipelines
3. Use AI/ML platforms (Google Earth Engine, ArcGIS AI tools, Amazon SageMaker)
to extract insights from massive time series
Licensing & Usage Terms
· Fully open access
· No user fees
· Data use requires acknowledgment per NASA/ISRO guidelines
Strategic Tip for Agencies & Geospatial startups
To maximize NISAR usage, agencies can:
1. Register early with ASF or ISRO to join pilot access groups
2. Set up automated download and processing pipelines
3. Use AI/ML platforms (Google Earth Engine, ArcGIS AI tools, Amazon SageMaker)
to extract insights from massive time series
Types of Data Products OfferedTypes of Data Products OfferedProduct LevelProduct Level DescriptionDescription
FormatFormatAudienceAudience
Level 1 Level 1 Raw radar signal (Single Look
Complex - SLC)
Raw radar signal (Single Look
Complex - SLC)
CEOS SAR
standard
CEOS SAR
standard
Expert researchers,
algorithm developers
Expert researchers,
algorithm developers
Level 2Level 2
Georeferenced backscatter
images
Georeferenced backscatter
images
GeoTIFF/NetCDFGeoTIFF/NetCDF
Environmental modelers,
forest/agriculture analysts
Environmental modelers,
forest/agriculture analysts
Level 3Level 3 Interferometric coherence,
deformation maps, etc.
Interferometric coherence,
deformation maps, etc.
Cloud-ready
formats
Cloud-ready
formats
Disaster agencies, urban
planners
Disaster agencies, urban
planners
Level-4 (Value-
added)
Level-4 (Value-
added)
AI-ready time series, change
maps
AI-ready time series, change
maps
CSV/GeoJSON + APIsCSV/GeoJSON + APIs
Startups, civic tech, local
governments
Startups, civic tech, local
governmentsFeatureFeature FunctionFunction
NISAR RoleNISAR RoleTypingMind/LLM RoleTypingMind/LLM Role
Green Cover ScannerGreen Cover Scanner
Generate district-wise tree
biomass & canopy maps
Generate district-wise tree
biomass & canopy maps
L-band
biomass maps
L-band
biomass maps
Agent builds & explains visuals
using Render Chart, GPT-vision,
etc.
Agent builds & explains visuals
using Render Chart, GPT-vision,
etc.
Urban Heat Island
Mapper
Urban Heat Island
Mapper Overlay vegetation loss + land
temperature
Overlay vegetation loss + land
temperature
S-band + thermal
data fusion
S-band + thermal
data fusion
AI agents correlate zones &
recommend tree planting
corridors
AI agents correlate zones &
recommend tree planting
corridors
Carbon Stock EstimatorCarbon Stock Estimator
Interferometric coherence,
deformation maps, etc.
Interferometric coherence,
deformation maps, etc.
Cloud-ready
formats
Cloud-ready
formats
Disaster agencies, urban
planners
Disaster agencies, urban
planners
Tree Loss Alerts Tree Loss Alerts
Detect illegal tree felling or storm
damage
Detect illegal tree felling or storm
damage
Change detection
over time (12-day
revisit)
Change detection
over time (12-day
revisit)
Triggers alerts via Slack
plugin or Excel reports
Triggers alerts via Slack
plugin or Excel reports
Use case What It Could Do (Feature Set) For Urban Forestry
AI Planning
Assistant
AI Planning
Assistant
Simulate impact of
adding/removing green belts
Simulate impact of
adding/removing green belts
Multi-year NISAR
SAR time series
Multi-year NISAR
SAR time series
LLM + AI agents suggest optimal
urban forest zoning based on
targets
LLM + AI agents suggest optimal
urban forest zoning based on
targets
Policy Dashboard Policy Dashboard
Export insights to CSV/PDF or
PowerPoint
Export insights to CSV/PDF or
PowerPoint ——
Uses Excel + Word/PowerPoint
plugin to generate presentations or
compliance reports
Uses Excel + Word/PowerPoint
plugin to generate presentations or
compliance reports
Community InterfaceCommunity Interface
NGO/Resident queries on local
tree health
NGO/Resident queries on local
tree health
Vision-based query
or chatbot
Vision-based query
or chatbot
GPT handles layman
questions like "Is my park
losing trees?" using visuals
GPT handles layman
questions like "Is my park
losing trees?" using visuals PEOPLEGENAI
Raja Sengupta
https://www.linkedin.com/in/senguptaraja/

15. Sensor Type &
Specialization
Sensor Type &
Specialization
Landsat-9
(NASA/USGS)
Landsat-9
(NASA/USGS)
SMAP (Soil
Moisture Active
Passive)
SMAP (Soil
Moisture Active
Passive)
PRISMA (Italy)PRISMA (Italy)
Hyperspectral
Imaging
Hyperspectral
Imaging
Compounding NISAR with Other
Open-Source EO Satellites
Compounding NISAR with Other
Open-Source EO Satellites
EOS PlatformEOS Platform
Complementarity
with NISAR
Complementarity
with NISAR Example Use CasesExample Use Cases
Sentinel-2
(ESA)
Sentinel-2
(ESA)
Multispectral
Optical Imaging
(13 bands)
Multispectral
Optical Imaging
(13 bands)
Combines optical +
SAR for richer land
cover classification,
vegetation health,
water quality, etc.
Combines optical +
SAR for richer land
cover classification,
vegetation health,
water quality, etc.
Crop stress detection,
flood zone monitoring,
forest degradation
Crop stress detection,
flood zone monitoring,
forest degradation
High-resolution
Optical (30m, 16-
day revisit)
High-resolution
Optical (30m, 16-
day revisit)
Long historical
archive + optical-
SAR fusion for
trend analysis
Long historical
archive + optical-
SAR fusion for
trend analysis Urban growth,
waterbody shrinkage,
land use change
Urban growth,
waterbody shrinkage,
land use change
MODIS
(Terra/Aqua)
MODIS
(Terra/Aqua)
Moderate-resolution
Optical (Daily,
global)
Moderate-resolution
Optical (Daily,
global)
Coarse but frequent
data helps in wide-
area change alerts.
NISAR can then
zoom in.
Coarse but frequent
data helps in wide-
area change alerts.
NISAR can then
zoom in.
Fire burn area
monitoring, snow/ice
extent, drought early
warning
Fire burn area
monitoring, snow/ice
extent, drought early
warning
ICESat-2ICESat-2
Laser Altimetry
(LiDAR)
Laser Altimetry
(LiDAR)
Elevation +
structure data to
enhance NISAR’s
biomass and ice
cap studies
Elevation +
structure data to
enhance NISAR’s
biomass and ice
cap studies
Glacier volume,
canopy height, sea
ice thickness
Glacier volume,
canopy height, sea
ice thickness
L-band
Radiometer +
Radar
L-band
Radiometer +
Radar
Soil moisture and
freeze-thaw cycles
when combined
with NISAR’s SAR
backscatter
Soil moisture and
freeze-thaw cycles
when combined
with NISAR’s SAR
backscatter
Precision agriculture,
hydrology, drought
modeling
Precision agriculture,
hydrology, drought
modeling
Provides
biochemical
composition info;
adds rich context
to NISAR’s
structural data
Provides
biochemical
composition info;
adds rich context
to NISAR’s
structural data
Crop composition,
mineral
exploration,
pollution tracking
Crop composition,
mineral
exploration,
pollution tracking
PlanetScope
(Commercial,
partly open)
PlanetScope
(Commercial,
partly open)
Very High
Resolution Optical
(3–5m)
Very High
Resolution Optical
(3–5m)
High spatial
detail + NISAR’s
deep
subsurface
sensing → full-
spectrum
monitoring
High spatial
detail + NISAR’s
deep
subsurface
sensing → full-
spectrum
monitoring
Urban planning,
illegal mining
detection, micro-
disaster risk
mapping
Urban planning,
illegal mining
detection, micro-
disaster risk
mapping PEOPLEGENAI
Raja Sengupta
https://www.linkedin.com/in/senguptaraja/