MOLA (Mars Orbital Laser Altimeter)

The Mars Orbital Laser Altimeter (MOLA) was an instrument on NASA's Mars Global Surveyor spacecraft that measured the planet's surface elevation with high precision. It used laser beams directed at Mars from space, sending pulses and timing how long they took to bounce back. This data created detailed 3D maps of Mars's topography, revealing features like mountains, valleys, and polar ice caps. MOLA's measurements helped scientists understand Mars's geological history, climate, and potential water presence, significantly advancing our knowledge of the planet’s physical landscape.