The launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite marks a major advancement in Earth observation. As the first satellite to combine L-band and S-band radar technologies, NISAR can monitor changes across Earth’s land, ice, vegetation and water systems with exceptional precision — day or night, and through clouds, smoke and severe weather.
For Global Science & Technology (GST), NISAR represents an opportunity to help transform scientific innovation into practical capabilities that support federal agencies, researchers, emergency managers and communities worldwide.
Seeing Earth Like Never Before
Unlike traditional optical satellites, NISAR’s radar system provides reliable, high-resolution imagery regardless of weather or lighting conditions. The satellite will map nearly all of Earth’s land and ice-covered surfaces every 12 days, creating one of the most comprehensive records of environmental change ever collected.
Key applications include:
- Flood mapping and disaster response
- Soil moisture monitoring for agriculture and drought planning
- Glacier, sea ice and ice-sheet monitoring
- Detection of landslides and earthquake-related ground deformation
- Wetland and coastal ecosystem monitoring
- Forest biomass and vegetation-change analysis
- Wildfire recovery assessment
These capabilities will improve disaster preparedness, climate resilience and environmental decision-making worldwide.
Turning Data Into Decisions
Collecting data is only the beginning. The true value of Earth observation lies in transforming information into actionable insights.
Through our NASA and NOAA contracts, GST supports the Earth Science enterprise with the scientific, engineering, data management, and technical expertise needed to advance complex programs and operational objectives.
Delivering Lasting Impact
NISAR’s openly available data will benefit a broad range of users, from scientists and policymakers to emergency responders and infrastructure planners. Its observations can improve flood forecasting, support agriculture and water management, accelerate disaster assessments and strengthen climate research.
The mission also highlights the power of collaboration among government agencies, international partners, academia and industry. GST is proud to contribute to NASA’s Earth science portfolio by helping deliver the expertise and operational support needed for mission success.
Looking Ahead
NISAR is more than a satellite — it’s an investment in understanding our planet and improving how we respond to environmental challenges. As new observations begin flowing from the mission, GST remains committed to helping federal partners turn innovation into impact.
Learn more about GST’s support of NASA and other federal science agencies, explore career opportunities, and follow GST on LinkedIn for insights into the technologies and missions shaping the future of Earth observation.
Laurie Sanger
Lisa Schulze
PAMELA EGAN
MARY PROVUS
DON SHOFF
ROBERT LECH
RAYMOND ROBERTS