The multiple altimeter beam experimental lidar (MABEL): An airborne simulator for the ICESat-2 mission

Abstract

This paper presents the motivation for, and initial results from, the Multiple Altimeter Beam Experimental lidar (MABEL) instrument. The MABEL instrument provides a new capability for airborne altimetry measurements and serves as a prototype and simulator for the upcoming NASA second-generation Ice,Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite (ICESat-2) mission. Designed to be highly flexible in measurement capability,MABEL serves as both a demonstration of measurement capability and a science tool for cryospheric and biospheric remote sensing. It is important to document the instrument specifications and essential background information to provide a suitable reference for the detailed MABEL results and science investigation publications that will be forthcoming.