In a major achievement for Indian engineering in space, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has left its mark in global aerospace history. The PSU under the Ministry of Heavy Industries has played a pivotal role in the successful launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission—the first-ever joint Earth observation initiative between NASA and ISRO.

The NISAR satellite was successfully launched on July 30, using GSLV-F16 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh. The NISAR mission (NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar) is a collaborative space mission between NASA (United States) and ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation).

It is designed to observe and understand the dynamics of the Earth’s surface using advanced radar imaging. NISAR is the first of its kind mission for earth observation which will map the entire globe in 12 days and will provide spatially and temporally consistent data for understanding changes in Earth’s ecosystems, ice mass, vegetation biomass, sea level rise, ground water and natural hazards including earthquakes, tsunamis, volcanoes and landslides.

Satellite is powered by BHEL’s solar panels and lithium-ion battery

At the core of this scientific marvel lies BHEL’s high-reliability space-grade technology. The satellite is powered by three solar panels and a lithium-ion battery manufactured at BHEL’s Electronics Systems Division (ESD) in Bengaluru. Each solar panel—spanning approximately 4 sq. m and rated at 1100 watts—was built using advanced multi-junction solar cells to ensure high efficiency in harsh space environments.

In addition to powering the satellite, 112 nos. BHEL-made Li-ion cells were integrated into the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) that successfully placed the NISAR satellite into a Sun-synchronous orbit at 747 km altitude, marking a significant milestone for Indian launch capabilities.

Following the historic successes of Chandrayaan-3 and SPADEX Mission, both powered by BHEL’s solar panels and batteries, the NISAR mission marks yet another proud achievement for BHEL’s space-grade product portfolio. This mission not only showcases the strength of indigenous manufacturing but also highlights India’s growing contribution to international space science and exploration.

BHEL

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) is one of India’s largest engineering and manufacturing enterprises in the energy and infrastructure sectors. A Maharatna PSU under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, BHEL is also a critical partner in India’s space and defence ecosystem. Through its state-of-the-art Electronics Systems Division in Bengaluru, BHEL delivers high-reliability space-grade solar panels and lithium-ion batteries for ISRO’s flagship missions, reinforcing its commitment to self-reliant, high-technology manufacturing.

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