Space-based laser altimeter technology and applications

Summary form only given. Case studies of the Shuttle Laser Altimeter for Earth orbit and the Mars Orbiting Laser Altimeter, two space flight laser altimeter sensors, are examined to discover what space-based laser altimeter technology is in place and where improvements are needed. A future multibeam laser altimeter capable of narrow swath imaging of topography and vegetation and incorporating an order-of-magnitude higher measurement rate than the first generation devices is also discussed to illustrate the technology that is being developed for the space flight environment.