Word of the Week: Altimetry

Remotely measuring the shape of an object.

The OSIRIS-REx Laser Altimeter (OLA) will measure changes in elevation on Bennu by repeatedly bouncing a laser beam off the asteroid’s surface and measuring the amount of time it takes for the beam to return to OLA’s detector. These data will then be compiled to create 3D maps of Bennu’s surface to help the mission team choose the best sample collection site.

Credit: University of Arizona

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