ICESat (Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite)

ICESat (Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite) is a NASA spacecraft that measures the Earth's surface elevation with high precision. It uses laser technology to send pulses of light from space to the ground and then analyzes the reflected signals to determine the height of ice sheets, forests, land, and clouds. This data helps scientists monitor changes in ice thickness, sea levels, and ecosystems over time. Launched in 2003, it provides crucial information for understanding climate change and the Earth's environmental health.