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NASA & ISRO Launch Satellite to Monitor Earthquake Risk in Southern California

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  Published in Science and Technology on Sunday, January 11th 2026 at 12:30 GMT by CBS News

Los Angeles, CA - January 11th, 2026 - Southern California, a region synonymous with seismic activity and the constant threat of earthquakes, is about to receive a significant boost in its ability to monitor and prepare for natural disasters. NASA, in partnership with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is deploying the NISAR (NASA-Indian Space Research Organisation) satellite, a groundbreaking instrument poised to revolutionize our understanding of land movement and earthquake risk.

The launch, initially planned for early 2024, has undergone some delays but now promises to deliver unprecedented data to scientists and researchers worldwide. What makes NISAR particularly significant is its ability to observe subtle, previously undetectable shifts in the Earth's surface. While the initial announcement focused on earthquake monitoring, the satellite's capabilities extend far beyond, offering insights into climate change, volcanic activity, and more.

Beyond Traditional Seismic Monitoring

Traditional earthquake monitoring relies heavily on seismographs - instruments that detect ground shaking. While invaluable, these primarily react after an earthquake begins. NISAR, however, offers a proactive approach. Its dual-frequency radar system allows it to create detailed maps of ground deformation - the slow, often imperceptible changes in the Earth's surface caused by tectonic plate movement. These changes are precursors to larger events, and NISAR's enhanced resolution allows scientists to identify them with remarkable accuracy.

"NISAR isn't designed to predict earthquakes, which remains a significant scientific challenge," explains Dr. Evelyn Reed, a geophysicist at the California Institute of Technology. "However, it will dramatically improve our ability to assess risk by providing a detailed picture of where ground deformation is occurring and how it's changing over time. This is crucial for identifying areas at higher risk and informing mitigation strategies."

The data will be used to create high-resolution maps of fault lines - the cracks in the Earth's crust where earthquakes occur - and to continuously monitor ground movement near these active faults. Changes in groundwater levels, which can also influence fault stability, will be meticulously tracked. Furthermore, the satellite's ability to detect minute changes in elevation, even on the order of millimeters, allows for a finer-grained understanding of the complex tectonic processes at play beneath Southern California.

A Collaborative Effort: NASA & ISRO

The NISAR mission represents a remarkable international collaboration. NASA provides the advanced radar technology and scientific expertise vital for the mission's success, while ISRO contributes the satellite platform and crucial launch services. This synergy of expertise allows for the creation of a truly unique and powerful instrument.

"The combination of NASA's sophisticated radar technology and ISRO's proven satellite operational capabilities has been instrumental in bringing NISAR to fruition," stated Dr. Kenji Tanaka, a lead engineer on the ISRO team, in a recent interview. "This collaborative spirit exemplifies the potential for advancements when nations pool resources and expertise."

Beyond California: A Global Impact

While the initial focus is on Southern California, NISAR's capabilities are not limited to the region. The data collected will be valuable for monitoring a wide range of natural hazards globally, including volcanic eruptions, landslides, and floods. Its ability to track changes in vegetation cover and ice sheets also makes it a powerful tool for studying the impacts of climate change. The wealth of data generated will be publicly accessible, fostering collaboration and accelerating scientific discovery across the globe. Researchers can access the data through dedicated NASA and ISRO portals, facilitating a wider range of studies and applications.

Looking Ahead: Data Interpretation and Mitigation Strategies

The launch of NISAR marks a pivotal moment in hazard monitoring, but the work doesn't stop there. The sheer volume of data generated will require significant investment in data processing and interpretation. Scientists are developing sophisticated algorithms and machine learning techniques to analyze the data and extract meaningful insights. Ultimately, the goal is to translate these insights into actionable mitigation strategies, strengthening infrastructure, improving early warning systems, and promoting public awareness to better prepare communities for the inevitable challenges posed by a dynamic Earth.