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Difficulty: HardScience, Emerging Technology, and Space Missions in News

Consider the following statements regarding the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission:

1. NISAR is designed to observe Earth's dynamic land and ice surfaces using dual-frequency radar systems operating in L-band and S-band microwave frequencies.
2. The L-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload is provided by ISRO, whereas the S-band SAR system is developed by NASA.
3. The satellite is configured to operate from a Sun-synchronous Low Earth Orbit (LEO) to achieve comprehensive global coverage.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. 1 and 3 onlyAnswer
  2. B
    1 and 2 only
  3. C
    2 and 3 only
  4. D
    1, 2 and 3

Answer

The correct option is the one stating '1 and 3 only'.
Statements 1 and 3 accurately describe NISAR's dual-frequency radar specifications (L-band and S-band) and its Sun-synchronous Low Earth Orbit configuration. Statement 2 is incorrect because NASA supplies the L-band SAR system and ISRO supplies the S-band SAR system.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Analyze Statement 1
Statement 1 is correct. NISAR is a joint Earth-observation mission utilizing dual-frequency SAR (L-band at 24 cm wavelength and S-band at 12 cm wavelength) to observe surface deformation, ecosystem structures, and ice dynamics.
Verifying the scientific payload capabilities of the mission.
2
Analyze Statement 2
Statement 2 is incorrect. NASA is responsible for providing the L-band SAR, GPS receiver, high-rate telecommunications system, and solid-state recorder. ISRO is responsible for providing the S-band SAR, spacecraft bus, launch vehicle (GSLV/LVM3), and associated launch services.
Checking the inter-agency division of payload responsibilities between NASA and ISRO.
3
Analyze Statement 3
Statement 3 is correct. NISAR will be placed in a Sun-synchronous Low Earth Orbit (LEO) at an altitude of approximately 747 km, allowing it to map the entire globe every 12 days.
Evaluating orbital parameter requirements for global remote sensing coverage.

Key Concept

NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) Mission Architecture and Division of Responsibilities
Estimated Time:1m 30s
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Topics

Science, Emerging Technology, and Space Missions in News

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