Multi-footprint Observation Lidar and Imager (MOLI) to Measure Canopy Heights from International Space Station

Abstract

Regarding to global carbon cycle accurate measurements of forest biomass are important to evaluate its contribution as a CO₂ absorption source. Forest biomass correlates with forest canopy heights, therefore global measurements of canopy heights lead to a better understanding of the global carbon cycle. Space-borne lidar has the unique capability of measuring forest canopy height. A vegetation lidar named MOLI (Multi-footprint Observation Lidar and Imager) has been designed to observe canopy heights more accurately, and MOLI is currently being studied in the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency. This paper introduces an overview of MOLI and its current status.