NASA's GODLAS Achieved 10-Foot Precision in 1964, Revolutionizing Earth Studies
GS3Economy · S&T · Environment · Security· Space technology (ISRO, missions)· Prelims·
Why in news
NASA's GODLAS system, the precursor to modern satellite laser ranging, is highlighted for its role in revolutionizing Earth's shape and ice sheet measurements.
Background
On October 29, 1964, NASA's Goddard Space Flight Centre recorded the first successful laser returns from Explorer 22 using the GODLAS system. It improved measurement precision from radar's 250 feet to 10 feet, eventually evolving into millimetre-level accuracy.
Facts for Prelims
- S&TGODLAS: A system used for satellite laser ranging to measure distances with high precision.
- S&TExplorer 22: The spacecraft used to record the first successful laser returns in 1964.
- S&TICESat and ICESat-2: NASA missions used to measure ice-sheet elevations with millimetre accuracy.
- FactGODLAS achieved 10-foot precision, significantly higher than the 250-foot precision of contemporary radar.
For Mains
Q. Discuss how advancements in satellite laser ranging and remote sensing technologies contribute to monitoring climate change and monitoring cryospheric changes.
Dimensions to cover in your answer
- precision in data collection
- monitoring ice-sheet dynamics
- climate modeling accuracy
Keywords: remote sensing · cryosphere · satellite laser ranging · climate monitoring
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This note is generated automatically from SatyaDheesh's news feed and mapped to the UPSC CSE syllabus. Check facts against the original report or PIB before using them in an answer.