Laser Altimetry
Laser altimetry is a remote sensing technique that uses laser pulses to measure the distance between a spacecraft and the surface of a planet or other celestial body. The laser emits short pulses of light that bounce off the surface and return to the spacecraft, where they are detected and timed. By measuring the time it takes for the light to travel to the surface and back, scientists can calculate the distance between the spacecraft and the surface with high precision. Laser altimetry is used to create detailed topographic maps of planetary surfaces, to study the height and shape of mountains, valleys, and other features, and to measure changes in the elevation of the surface over time.
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