Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is a technique for producing high-resolution images using a radar system. It operates in any weather and at any time, using longer wavelengths to see through clouds.
How SAR Works:
SAR emits an electromagnetic signal towards a surface and records the backscattered signal. The image resolution improves by synthesizing a virtual large antenna from a smaller physical antenna, allowing fine detail observation.
Advantages:
• Cloud Penetration: Sees through clouds and smoke, ensuring continuous visibility.
• High Resolution: Achieves centimeter-level resolution.
• Day and Night Operation: Functions irrespective of time and weather.
Applications:
• Defense: Essential for surveillance, reconnaissance, and precision targeting.
• Agriculture: Provides detailed information on crop growth, health, and stress, aiding in decision-making.
• Disaster Management: Monitors and responds to natural disasters.
• Other Fields: Oceanography, land-use, geology, and cartography.
India’s Adoption:
India utilizes SAR technology in various ways:
• RISAT-1: Launched by ISRO in 2012, it is India’s first all-weather radar imaging satellite.
• MiniSAR: ISRO developed a miniaturized airborne SAR payload.
• GalaxEye: In August 2023, GalaxEye unveiled a high-resolution drone-based SAR system.
• NISAR: A collaboration between NASA and ISRO, the NISAR mission will use L-band and S-band SAR instruments to provide a 240 km swath with resolutions ranging from 2 to 8 meters, offering unprecedented earth observation capabilities.
Key Players:
• DRDO: Uses SAR for defense applications.
• ISRO: Developed SAR technologies for agriculture, disaster management, and more.
• Start-ups: Companies like Iceye and Capella Space innovate with inexpensive nanosatellites.
Future Potential:
SAR is poised to revolutionize Earth observation by offering continuous, detailed monitoring for diverse sectors, enhancing global observation capabilities.
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