From Space to Soil: How NASA Sees Earth's Forests | NASA Goddard

From Space to Soil: How NASA Sees Earth's Forests | NASA Goddard

As part of its Earth System Observatory, NASA uses satellite Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) technology to study Earth’s forests that are key carbon sinks. The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) Mission maps forest height and biomass from the International Space Station, while ICESat-2 fills polar data gaps. Together, they enable a first-of-its-kind global biomass map, guiding smarter forest conservation and carbon tracking.

The ICESat-2 Mission is being cancelled in NASA's Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request, according to NASA Watch.

See NASA budget details here: https://www.friendsofnasa.org/2025/06/19-active-science-missions-cancelled-in.html

ICESat-2 Mission
https://icesat-2.gsfc.nasa.gov/

Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) Mission

https://gedi.umd.edu/

Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Scientific Visualization Studio
Emme Watkins (eMITS): Producer
Ryan Fitzgibbons (eMITS): Producer
Aaron E. Lepsch (eMITS): Technical Support
Emme Watkins (eMITS): Editor
Ryan Fitzgibbons (eMITS): Videographer
Laura Duncanson (University of Maryland College Park): Interviewee
Amy Neuenschwander (University of Texas at Austin): Interviewee
Kel Elkins (USRA): Visualizer
Michala Garrison (SSAI): Visualizer
Duration: 5 minutes
Release Date: June 17, 2025

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