Have you heard about the upcoming launch of the Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite-2 (ICESat-2)? This cutting-edge satellite, set to lift off from Vandenberg Air Force base in California this Saturday at 8:46 a.m. ET, is equipped with the Advance Topographic Laser Altimeter System (ATLAS) to study ice layers at Earth’s poles.
Once in orbit, ICESat-2 will shoot a laser split into six green beams, sending 10,000 pulses per second. These pulses, containing trillions of photons, will bounce off ice, landscape, and trees, with only a few making it back to the satellite. By measuring the time it takes for these photons to return, the satellite will gather valuable data on ice changes, with an impressive accuracy of 4 mm (0.16 inches).
The primary goal of ICESat-2 is to monitor ice levels in Earth’s coldest regions, providing crucial information for researchers studying climate change. Compared to its predecessor ICESat-I, which used a slower single laser, ICESat-2’s rapid pulse rate will offer unparalleled accuracy in tracking ice fluctuations.
In essence, the launch of ICESat-2 marks a significant advancement in our ability to monitor and understand the impact of climate change on our planet. This innovative satellite will revolutionize our understanding of ice dynamics and provide invaluable data for scientists worldwide. Let’s eagerly anticipate the groundbreaking discoveries that ICESat-2 will uncover!
