WEBDESK: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the NISAR satellite today at 5:30 PM (Indian Standard Time) aboard the GSLV-F16 rocket. While publicly promoted as a joint scientific mission between NASA and ISRO, many experts believe the satellite holds far more than peaceful intentions.
NISAR, or NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar, is officially designed for earth observation, climate monitoring, and disaster management. However, behind the carefully chosen language lies a mission that significantly boosts India’s military and surveillance capabilities.
According to Azaad Research, the satellite is equipped with a dual-frequency synthetic aperture radar system the L band provided by NASA and the S band by ISRO. This allows it to capture high-resolution images of the Earth’s surface in all weather, day or night, with remarkable accuracy.
Although India claims the satellite will track glacier movements, agricultural patterns, and natural disasters, its real use may go well beyond environmental science. Defence experts argue that the satellite’s ability to detect even slight ground movements makes it a powerful tool for border surveillance, tracking military activity, tunnel detection, and monitoring critical infrastructure.
Observers note that with constant and detailed monitoring along the borders particularly with China and Pakistan India gains a new advantage in intelligence gathering and pre-war planning. This is not merely about defence, but about dominance.
A former military official, speaking anonymously, said NISAR marks a shift from defensive response to pre emptive surveillance. In his view, this satellite could become a quiet but effective weapon for India in building war maps and preparing for hybrid warfare where military, cyber, and propaganda tools combine.
Though the mission is presented as a peaceful collaboration, some analysts suggest it is a clear case of military ambition hidden behind the mask of scientific progress. India has successfully used the cover of environmental and climate research to quietly expand its space-based military capabilities.
As India pushes forward in the global space race, today’s launch is not just about studying the Earth it sends a signal that India is extending its strategic presence into space. Whether NISAR becomes a guardian of nature or a silent tool of security, its impact will be felt far beyond the atmosphere.
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