Countdown to ICESat-2 Launch

ICESat-2 is a satellite designed to measure changes in glaciers, ice sheets, and sea ice. It uses advanced laser technology to collect precise height data, firing 10,000 laser pulses per second. The mission builds on data from Operation IceBridge, bridging the gap between the original ICESat and ICESat-2. The satellite orbits Earth at 7 kilometers per second, focusing on polar regions. It features six laser beams and a precise wavelength to minimize data noise. ICESat-2 measures both land and sea ice, providing a comprehensive view of Earth's ice changes. The ATLAS instrument, developed by NASA, ensures high precision in measuring minute changes in ice elevation.

What role does the precision of timing individual laser photons play in the satellite's measurements?

Explain how the satellite's laser beams improve data collection compared to the original ISAT.