2023-2024 Science Planning Summary
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2023-2024 USAP Field Season
Project Detail

Project Title

NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR)


Artist's rendition of the NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR). NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
X-498-M Research Location(s): Ross Ice Shelf

Summary

Event Number:
X-498-M
NSF / NASA Agreement

Program Director:
Dr. Michael Jackson

ASC POC/Implementer:
Ryan Steiner / Jenny Cunningham


Principal Investigator(s)

Dr. Ian Joughin
irj@uw.edu
University of Washington
Department of Earth and Space Sciences


Location

Supporting Stations: McMurdo Station
Research Locations: Ross Ice Shelf


Description

The NASA ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) will launch in January 2024. The radar will acquire L-band data that will be used to measure ice velocity for much of the Antarctic Ice Sheet with routine coverage extending to near the pole and campaign coverage to the pole. The mission will validate these data using a network of six GNSS receivers primarily on or near the Ross Ice Shelf. These instruments will be deployed using logistics provided through NSF and deployed by the UNAVCO support personnel stationed at McMurdo.


Field Season Overview

This is the first of four seasons for this science event, with this season to be entirely supported by Earthscope GAGE personnel. Two participants will deploy six GNSS receivers between Ross Island and the Byrd Glacier over two day trips from McMurdo Station.


Deploying Team Members

  • Joe Pettit