description ICESat-2 Overview
ICESat-2 (Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite 2) is an Earth observation satellite launched by NASA in 2018 as a follow-on to the original ICESat mission. It utilizes the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS), which measures elevation by timing the round-trip journey of laser pulses from space to Earth. The mission's primary objectives are to quantify changes in ice sheet mass, measure sea ice thickness, and gather data on global vegetation canopy heights. It operates in a polar orbit, allowing it to continuously monitor the cryosphere and cloud structures.
help ICESat-2 FAQ
When did NASA's ICESat-2 mission launch?
NASA successfully launched the ICESat-2 satellite in 2018 as a follow-on laser altimetry mission. It was specifically designed to continue tracking changes in the Earth's polar ice elevations.
What primary instrument does ICESat-2 use to take measurements?
The spacecraft relies on the Advanced Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) to measure ice elevation and sea ice thickness. ATLAS fires laser pulses at a high frequency to calculate precise distances to the Earth's surface.
What is the main scientific purpose of the ICESat-2 mission?
The primary goal of ICESat-2 is to quantify changes in the Earth's ice sheets, glaciers, and sea ice thickness over time. This data is critical for understanding the impacts of global climate change on rising sea levels.
What previous NASA mission did ICESat-2 replace?
ICESat-2 is the direct successor to the original ICESat mission, which operated from 2003 to 2010. It also bridged the data gap between the original ICESat and the present using airborne Operation IceBridge surveys.
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