NISAR satellite data reveals Antarctic 'hummingbird' ice feature
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NASA and ISRO released the first public data from the NISAR satellite on July 20, including an image of a fractured Antarctic glacier that resembles a hummingbird. The radar data reveals hidden ice structures and crevasses in East Antarctica.
The Hummingbird Image
An early NISAR image released July 20 shows Nunatak Zaterjavshijsja, a mountain peak in East Antarctica protruding from a glacier. The mountain's topography stresses the ice, creating deep crevasses that appear as sharp green lines in the radar image. The image was generated from L-band radar data collected in August 2025 during satellite testing.
Data Release Details
NISAR's L-band and S-band radar data are now publicly available, with ongoing file releases from teams in the U.S. and India. The satellite scans all land- and ice-covered surfaces nearly twice every 12 days. The data helps track land and ice movement, monitor ecosystems, and respond to natural hazards like landslides and earthquakes.
Mission Milestones
NISAR launched on July 30, 2025, from India's Satish Dhawan Space Centre. The first anniversary approaches as engineering and science teams complete instrument calibration and algorithm refinement. The satellite has already captured urban grids, agricultural fields, landslides, earthquakes, and subsidence in Mexico City.
What's Next
NASA and ISRO will celebrate NISAR's first anniversary on July 30, 2026. It remains unclear how the ongoing data release will impact operational use by researchers and hazard response agencies.
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NISAR satellite data reveals Antarctic 'hummingbird' ice feature
