Progress of the ISS Based Vegetation LiDAR Mission, Moli - Japan's First Space-Based LiDAR

The vegetation canopy height is used for estimation of above ground biomass in the biospere. The lidar mission named “MOLI: Multi-footprint Observation Lidar and Imager” aimed to measure the canopy height from space. The MOLI employs double beam configuration lidar and imager. Complemental measurement of double beam lidar and imager reduces the impact of ground elevation to estimate canopy height. The laser transmitter in space is a key component for achieving the mission. The lifetime test and environmental test are conducted to improve feasibility of a laser transmitter. These results and status of MOLI will be presented in this conference.