As climate change, natural disasters, and resource management become increasingly pressing global concerns, real-time data about changes in Earth’s surface is more crucial than ever. That’s where cutting-edge space technology steps in—and the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission is leading the charge.
A collaborative venture between the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), NISAR is poised to become one of the most advanced radar imaging systems in orbit, capable of tracking minute changes on Earth’s surface. At the helm of its science operations is Dr. Akshata Krishnamurthy, a scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and the science phase lead for NISAR.
In a conversation with SPAN Magazine, Dr. Krishnamurthy delves into her journey, the mission’s impact, and the broader implications of international partnerships in space research.
From Childhood Dreams to NASA Missions
What inspired your career in aerospace and Earth observation, and how did that path lead to NASA JPL?
Krishnamurthy: Growing up in India, I was captivated by space shuttle launches on television in the early 2000s. That curiosity eventually transformed into a deep desire to both explore space and better understand our own planet. I earned my bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering in India, followed by a master’s and Ph.D. in aerospace engineering in the United States.
During my Ph.D. at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), I focused on space systems and instrument development, and was fortunate to work on two NASA missions for my doctoral thesis. That hands-on research, perseverance, and a clear vision to contribute to missions with real-world impact ultimately led me to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Working on NISAR, which blends science, engineering, and international collaboration, is incredibly rewarding—it allows us to address global challenges that affect millions.
NISAR: A First-of-its-Kind Earth Observatory
Can you explain what makes the NISAR mission unique?
Krishnamurthy: NISAR will be the first satellite radar observatory to use both L-band and S-band frequencies to systematically and consistently map Earth’s surface. This dual-frequency capability allows us to track subtle, often invisible, surface deformations. Whether it’s monitoring forest degradation, ice sheet shifts, or signs of volcanic activity or landslides, NISAR’s precision and scale are unprecedented. The data generated will be vital for scientists, communities, and governments across the globe.
Impact on India, the U.S., and the World
What are some of the practical applications of NISAR’s data?
Krishnamurthy: The mission will be immensely valuable in tracking soil moisture, crop patterns, wetlands, and forest cover—all critical for food and water security. In disaster-prone regions, NISAR’s ability to detect small shifts in the Earth’s surface can aid in early warnings for earthquakes, landslides, and coastal erosion. These insights will be instrumental for local and national governments in both India and the U.S., helping with infrastructure planning, environmental management, and community resilience.
Power of Global Collaboration
What is the significance of the NASA-ISRO partnership?
Krishnamurthy: Collaborative missions like NISAR showcase how international partnerships can amplify scientific discovery. They bring together complementary strengths, share resources, and expand access to space-based data. Such partnerships not only advance research but also help build a robust, global knowledge ecosystem, demonstrating how science can bridge nations to tackle common challenges.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
How does NASA-JPL keep innovating in a fast-changing technological environment?
Krishnamurthy: At JPL, innovation is embedded in our culture. Missions like NISAR are the result of decades of foundational research. We invest heavily in cross-disciplinary collaboration with universities, commercial entities, and government agencies. We’re always designing and testing technologies that can enable future missions—sometimes looking 10 to 20 years ahead.
The Future of Earth Observation and Exploration
What trends in space science excite you the most?
Krishnamurthy: I’m particularly excited about how artificial intelligence (AI) is being integrated with Earth observation to deliver real-time, actionable insights. In terms of space exploration, the growth of autonomous systems and human-robot partnerships for missions to the Moon and Mars is incredibly exciting. It’s truly a transformative time to be working in space science.
The NISAR mission exemplifies how international collaboration, advanced science, and engineering excellence can come together to solve real-world challenges. As Earth’s systems continue to shift, tools like NISAR offer the promise of greater understanding—and the hope of smarter, more sustainable decisions for our planet.
Monitoring Earth from Space: NISAR’s Groundbreaking Mission
NASA’s Akshata Krishnamurthy on how U.S.-India space collaboration is transforming Earth observation
By Charvi Arora | Originally published in SPAN Magazine
Credit: Interview and original article by Charvi Arora, SPAN Magazine
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