Updated
Updated · Space.com · Jul 23
NISAR Opens Radar Data to Public on July 20 for Earth Research
Updated
Updated · Space.com · Jul 23

NISAR Opens Radar Data to Public on July 20 for Earth Research

3 articles · Updated · Space.com · Jul 23

Summary

  • July 20 marked the start of public access to NISAR radar data, opening the NASA-ISRO satellite’s observations to researchers worldwide.
  • Radar imagery can see through snow and deep into ice, letting scientists track glacier motion and detect properties of Antarctic ice that optical images cannot capture.
  • A newly released Antarctica image illustrates that capability: the apparent purple “hummingbird” is actually Nunatak Zaterjavshijsja, with ice flow and crevasses mapped in sharp detail.
  • Mission teams will keep rolling out more data as NISAR expands its role in studying and helping protect a changing planet.

Insights

As NISAR's 'x-ray vision' maps our planet daily, what unexpected economic and security implications will arise from this data?
How will this satellite's ability to see hidden water under ice change our urgent predictions for sea-level rise?