The NISAR satellite, launched jointly by NASA and ISRO in July 2025, carries L-band and S-band synthetic aperture radars that capture detailed images of surface features including fractured ice in Antarctica. Researchers used L-band radar data to image Nunatak Zaterjavshijsja, a mountaintop surrounded by crevassed ice, demonstrating the satellite's capability to distinguish ice conditions and map terrain beneath ice sheets.
Data from NISAR enable tracking of ice movement, forest and wetland dynamics, and natural hazard responses such as earthquakes and landslides. NASA and ISRO have committed to routinely releasing processed radar files to facilitate scientific and practical applications worldwide.
Source & further reading
US-India Satellite Delivers Data, Reveals ‘Hummingbird’ in Antarctica ↗Source published 2026-07-21. This report was prepared with AI assistance from the linked primary-source material. Claims and limitations should be checked against the original announcement or research.