ICESat-2 By the Numbers: 0.2

The video explains the precision of the Atlas laser, which can maintain its focus on a silver dollar from 28 miles away. This precision is crucial for measuring Earth's height from orbit. To maintain stability, the Atlas uses a beam steering mechanism, a motorized mirror that adjusts for thermal changes in orbit, preventing the laser beams from bending as they travel to Earth.

What is the significance of the Atlas laser's ability to focus on a silver dollar 28 miles away?

• It shows the laser's precision and stability.

• It demonstrates the laser's power.

• It indicates the laser's speed.

• It highlights the laser's color.

Why is the stability of the Atlas laser important for spacecraft?

• To measure the distance to the moon.

• To calculate the speed of light.

• To determine the temperature of the sun.

• To measure the height of Earth from orbit.

What does the beam steering mechanism in the Atlas laser do?

• It changes the color of the laser.

• It adjusts the laser's focus.

• It compensates for thermal changes in orbit.

• It increases the laser's power.

How does the beam steering mechanism prevent the Atlas beams from bending?

• By using a cooling system.

• By changing the laser's wavelength.

• By increasing the laser's speed.

• By employing a motorized mirror.

What is the role of the motorized mirror in the beam steering mechanism?

• To change the laser's color.

• To focus the laser on distant objects.

• To adjust for thermal changes in orbit.

• To increase the laser's intensity.