ICESat‐2 Early Mission Synopsis and Observatory Performance

• 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

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.