$1.3 billion NISAR satellite detected precursory movements before Nepal flood killing 1,451
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims + Mains·
SAR technology and remote sensing for disaster mitigation: a GS3 Science & Technology and Disaster Management case study.
Why in news
ISRO's National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) revealed that the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite detected precursory movements in unstable zones before the August 26 Nepal Rasuwa flash flood.
Background
The NISAR satellite is a $1.3 billion joint project between NASA and ISRO launched on July 30, 2025. The NRSC study identified unstable zones between June 20 and August 19, 2026, prior to the flood that caused 1,451 deaths and left 5,745 people missing.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TNISAR: A joint NASA-ISRO satellite launched on July 30, 2025
- FactNISAR satellite cost: $1.3 billion
- BodyNRSC: National Remote Sensing Centre under ISRO
- PlaceRasuwa: Location of the flash flood in Nepal
Prelims practice question
Which organization under ISRO conducted the study on unstable zones using NISAR satellite data?
- (a)Space Applications Centre
- (b)National Remote Sensing Centre
- (c)Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
- (d)Indian Space Research Organisation
Show answer
Answer: (b) National Remote Sensing Centre — The note states that the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under ISRO revealed the findings.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how advancements in Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology can enhance early warning systems for geological hazards in the Himalayan region.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- Data-to-action gap: Lack of real-time communication protocols between satellite monitoring agencies and local disaster management authorities
- Geological complexity: Difficulty in distinguishing between routine seismic activity and imminent flash flood triggers in high-altitude terrain
Keywords: Synthetic Aperture Radar · Early Warning Systems · Remote Sensing · Disaster Mitigation · Geospatial Intelligence
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.