Bengaluru: In a defining moment for Indian engineering in space, Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has once again etched its mark in global aerospace history. The Maharatna PSU 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.
Indigenous Engineering Fuels International Space Partnership
The NISAR satellite, aboard the GSLV-F16 from Sriharikota, is designed to map the entire globe every 12 days. It will monitor Earth’s ecosystems, ice mass, groundwater levels, vegetation biomass, sea-level rise, and natural disasters such as tsunamis and earthquakes. This flagship mission marks a major leap in real-time earth science collaboration between the United States and India.
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.
Li-ion Power Systems Amplify Launch and Orbital Performance
In addition to satellite power, BHEL also contributed one 11 kWh space-grade lithium-ion battery, rigorously tested at its Bengaluru unit. This high-capacity battery plays a critical role in ensuring consistent energy availability during orbital operations.
Furthermore, 112 BHEL-manufactured lithium-ion cells were integrated into the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV-F16) that successfully placed the satellite into a 747 km Sun-synchronous orbit. The mission underscores BHEL’s expanding role in India’s space vehicle integration ecosystem.
Also Read: HAL Plays Crucial Role in Successful Launch of ISRO-NASA Joint Satellite NISAR Aboard GSLV-F16
Building on Chandrayaan & SPADEX Legacy
Following BHEL’s critical contributions to Chandrayaan-3 and the SPADEX Mission, the NISAR launch reaffirms the PSU’s stature as a key enabler of India’s space ambitions. With every mission, BHEL strengthens its space-grade manufacturing capabilities, proudly showcasing India’s indigenous strength on the global science stage.
About 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.
Also Read: ISRO-NASA Launch NISAR in Orbit: Dual-Frequency Satellite to Aid Maritime and Airspace Management
