CEOS EO HANDBOOK – MISSION SUMMARY - GEDI-on-ISS -
Full Name International Space Station/Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) Lidar
aka ISS/GEDI
Status Operational (extended)
Mission Agencies NASA Launch Date 05 Dec 2018
Mission Links mission site | data access portal EOL Date Jan 2031
EO Portal Info NORAD Catalog # 25544 (TLE)
International Designator 1998-067A
Orbit Type Inclined, non-sun-synchronous Orbit Period 93 minutes
Orbit Sense Ascending Orbit Inclination 51.6 deg
Orbit Altitude 417 km Orbit Longitude
Orbit LST Repeat Cycle 0 days
Objectives and Applications This project will use a laser-based system to study a range of climates, including the observation of the forest canopy structure over the tropics, and the tundra in high northern latitudes.This data will help scientists better understand the changes in natural carbon storage within the carbon cycle from both human-influenced activities and natural climate variations. The mission was in storage on the ISS from March 17, 2023, to April 22, 2024, and resumed nominal science operations with all three lasers on June 11, 2024.
Mission Measurements
CategoryParameterInstrument(s)
LandVegetation GEDI
Mission Instruments
GEDI - Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation Lidar
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GEDI
Jan-2020



The Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) produces high resolution laser ranging observations of the 3D structure of the Earth. GEDI’s precise measurements of forest canopy height, canopy vertical structure, and surface elevation greatly advance our ability to characterize important carbon and water cycling processes, biodiversity, and habitat. GEDI was funded as a NASA Earth Ventures Instrument (EVI) mission. It was launched to the International Space Station in December 2018 and became operational in March 2019. Read more

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