The Geoscience Laser Altimeter System (GLAS) for the ICESat mission

Abstract
Summary form only given.The Geoscience Laser Altimeter System is a next generation space lidar whose design combines a 10 cm precision surface measurements with a dual wavelength cloud and aerosol lidar in for long-term continuous use in orbit. GLAS is scheduled to be launched into a 598 km circular polar orbit in summer 2001 as part of NASA's ICESat mission. The orbit and mission parameters are summarized. The orbit's 94 degree inclination was selected to optimize the crossing ground track patterns over Greenland and Antarctica and to enable data comparison with other NASA Earth Science instruments. GLAS will determine the orbit altitude, position and time from an on-board GPS receiver, and is designed to operate continuously for 3-5 years.

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