ICESat‐2 Early Mission Synopsis and Observatory Performance

Abstract The Advanced Topographic Laser Altimetry System (ATLAS) onboard the NASA Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite‐2 (ICESat‐2) is the newest Earth observing satellite for global elevation studies. The primary objectives for ICESat‐2 follow the objectives of its predecessor, ICESat and also...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Earth and Space Science
Main Authors: Lori Magruder, Thomas Neumann, Nathan Kurtz
Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
Language:English
Published: American Geophysical Union (AGU) 2021
Subjects:
ATLAS
cryosphere
ICESat‐2
laser altimetry
satellite pointing control
remote sensing
Astronomy
QB1-991
Geology
QE1-996.5
Ice Sheet
Sea ice
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1029/2020EA001555
https://doaj.org/article/1967b9a0d016441799322905dd15f06c
Description
Summary:Abstract The Advanced Topographic Laser Altimetry System (ATLAS) onboard the NASA Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite‐2 (ICESat‐2) is the newest Earth observing satellite for global elevation studies. The primary objectives for ICESat‐2 follow the objectives of its predecessor, ICESat and also focus on providing cryospheric measurements to determine ice sheet mass balance, and monitor both sea ice thickness and extent. However, the global observations support secondary science objectives as well such as biomass estimation, inland water elevation, sea state height and aerosol concentrations. Since launch of ICESat‐2, ATLAS has collected more than a trillion measurements. This study provides a mission overview, a description of the operational components that enable the altimeter products for science, on‐orbit observatory performance, and assessment of the spacecraft attitude control systems that enable repeat measurements to within 10 m and pointing control within ±45 m. These metrics should be considered for ground‐based validation campaigns or science investigations.

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