Satellite lidar
A compact lidar instrument for small satellites that would measure the height of terrain and structures from orbit, developed under a JAXA research contract.
Why it matters
Lidar gives true 3D height data that cameras cannot, useful for mapping, forestry and disaster response. A small-satellite version could make it far cheaper to collect.
How the technology works
The instrument fires laser pulses at the ground and times the reflections with a high-resolution photon receiver. JAXA has funded concept design and prototypes of its mission components.
Sources
Updated Oct 22, 2026 · How we source facts · Suggest a correction