Satellite Laser Altimeter for Measurement of Ice Sheet Topography

We describe the design and expected performance of a spaceborne laser altimeter based on a nadir-oriented laser transmitter, a 0.5-m-diam receiver telescope, and a high-accuracy satellite attitude measurement system. This instrument is designed for high-resolution mapping of polar ice sheet topography where conventional radar altimeters have difficulty. This instrument could also provide useful data on cloud-top heights and the ocean surface.