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Science Instruments and Labs

As one of the worlds premier Earth and space science research organizations, Goddard's Sciences and Exploration Directorate (SED ) deepens humanity's understanding of our life-sustaining planet, the Sun's dynamics, our solar system's complexities, and the vast cosmic frontiers beyond.

Return to Goddard Front Door about Science Instruments and Labs

Astrobiology Analytical Lab

The Astrobiology Analytical Laboratory employs commercial analytical instruments, similar to those used in forensic labs. Identifies organic materials like amino acids from meteorites, extraterrestrial analogs, and sample return missions.

EcoSAR Data

EcoSAR is an advanced airborne polarimetric and interferometric P-band (435 MHz) SAR instrument in development at NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center through the 2010 ESTO Instrument Incubator Program (IIP). The aim of EcoSAR is to provide two- and three dimensional fine scale measurements of terrestrial ecosystem structure and biomass.

Cloud Physics Lidar

The purpose of the Cloud Physics Lidar (CPL) is to provide multi-wavelength measurements of cirrus, subvisual cirrus, and aerosols with high temporal and spatial resolution.

Scanning L-Band Active/Passive

The Scanning L-band Active/Passive (SLAP) instrument is an airborne simulator of NASA’s Soil Moisture Active/Passive (SMAP) satellite. Therefore, SLAP’s primary application is sensing soil moisture and soil freeze/thaw state, but it can also sense the salinity of coastal water.

Electron Beam Welding

The Welding Lab houses the only electron beam welder at Goddard. Capabilities of this lab include precision welding of mass spectrometer housings, miniature components and automated orbital TIG welding of plumbing lines.

Micro-Pulse Lidar Network

The Micro-Pulse Lidar Network (MPLNET) measures aerosol and cloud vertical structure and boundary layer heights using a global network of MPL systems.

Goddard Lidar Hyperspectral Thermal Imager

Goddard's LiDAR, Hyperspectral and Thermal Imager (G-LiHT) is a portable, airborne imaging system that simultaneously maps the composition, structure, and function of terrestrial ecosystems.

Goddard Laser for Absolute Measurement of Radiance

The Goddard Laser for Absolute Measurement of Radiance (GLAMR) lab is a state-of-the-art facility for spectral and radiometric sensor characterization. Using the NIST-developed Spectral Irradiance and Radiance Calibration using Uniform Sources (SIRCUS) methodology, GLAMR aims to operationalize this advanced calibration technique, enhancing its availability for characterizing airborne and satellite sensors.