The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch one of its most anticipated missions today, July 30.
The GSLV-F16 rocket, which will carry the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, is ready for takeoff. ISRO has shared a recent image showing the rocket standing tall on the launch pad.
NISAR Launch Timing
The liftoff is scheduled for 5:40 PM IST from the Sriharikota launch site in Andhra Pradesh. After launch, the rocket will place the satellite into orbit around 740 kilometers above Earth, following a 19-minute flight.
Ahead of the launch, ISRO announced:
“GSLV-F16/NISAR | Launch Day has arrived for GSLV-F16 & NISAR. GSLV-F16 is standing tall on the pad. NISAR is ready. Liftoff today at 17:40 IST from Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.”
Where to Watch the NISAR Launch
You can watch the live broadcast of the launch on ISRO’s official YouTube channel, starting from 5:10 PM IST. For real-time updates, you can also follow live coverage on Mint.
Why This Launch Matters
This launch marks the 102nd mission from the Sriharikota spaceport and is especially important as it is the first GSLV mission of its kind.
The satellite will be launched into a Sun-synchronous polar orbit. NISAR is a joint project between NASA and ISRO, designed to collect detailed radar data that will monitor changes in Earth’s land and ice surfaces.
GSLV-F16/NISAR
Today’s the day!
Launch Day has arrived for GSLV-F16 & NISAR. GSLV-F16 is standing tall on the pad. NISAR is ready. Liftoff today.????️ July 30, 2025
Live from: 17:10 Hours IST
Liftoff at : 17:40 Hours ISTLivestreaming Link: https://t.co/flWew2LhgQ
For more… pic.twitter.com/bIjVJTZyMv
— ISRO (@isro) July 30, 2025
About the GSLV-F16 Rocket
The GSLV-F16 is a three-stage launch vehicle, standing 51.7 meters tall.
This is the rocket’s 18th mission overall.
It includes an indigenous cryogenic upper stage, which will be used for the ninth time.
What Makes NISAR Special?
NISAR is equipped with two radar systems:
L-band radar provided by NASA
S-band radar developed by ISRO
These radars use Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) technology to provide both polarimetric and interferometric imaging. NASA has described it as the most advanced radar satellite ever launched by either agency.
NISAR will scan the entire Earth twice every 12 days, collecting high-resolution, all-weather, and day-and-night data.
On average, it will provide global data every 6 days during its planned 3-year mission.
