NISAR’s New Discovery: How India’s Satellite Is Tracking Earthquake Damage

The NASA–ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite has demonstrated its ability to map earthquake-related ground movement from space, offering scientists a powerful new tool for disaster assessment.

NISAR analysed the effects of twin earthquakes that struck northern Venezuela on June 24, 2026. Radar observations showed that some areas experienced ground displacement of up to 60 centimetres.

How NISAR Works?

Unlike conventional cameras, NISAR uses synthetic aperture radar (SAR) to observe Earth's surface day and night and through clouds. By comparing radar observations taken before and after an earthquake, scientists can identify how much the ground has moved.

This information can reveal areas affected by fault movement, landslides and other changes that may not be immediately visible from the ground.

Why It Matters?

Fast and accurate information about ground deformation can help authorities understand the extent of earthquake damage and identify areas requiring closer inspection. NISAR was specifically designed to monitor changes in Earth's land and ice surfaces, including natural hazards such as earthquakes.

The mission is a major collaboration between ISRO and NASA and carries both L-band and S-band radar systems. ISRO's mission records describe NISAR as the first global microwave-imaging mission of its kind.

The Venezuela results show how satellite-based radar could become an important part of future disaster-response systems–allowing scientists to see how Earth itself moves after a major earthquake.