Multi-footprint Observation Lidar and Imager (MOLI)

The Multi-footprint Observation Lidar and Imager (MOLI) is a vegetation lidar instrument under development by JAXA, planned for installation on the International Space Station Japanese Experiment Module (ISS-JEM) via the IVA-replaceable Small Exposed Experiment Platform (i-SEEP). JAXA describes MOLI as Japan's first spaceborne lidar mission ^[1]. A launch date of approximately June 2027 has been reported; as this instrument is pre-launch, specifications and schedule are subject to change ^{[2] [3]}.

JAXA specifies that the planned configuration operates at 1064 nm and fields two parallel beams separated 50 m cross-track, firing at 150 pulses per second ^{[1] [2]}. The planned footprint diameter is 25 m and along-track shot spacing 50 m; pulse energy is stated as 20 mJ ^[1]. A co-aligned imager provides vegetation index data alongside the lidar return; JAXA describes this as enabling combined canopy structure and spectral characterisation from a single pass ^[1]. The instrument is designed to record the time-resolved lidar return signal for three-dimensional canopy structure retrieval; specific digitiser architecture has not been confirmed in published technical specifications as of June 2026 ^{[2] [1]}.

The ISS orbit inclination of approximately 51.6 degrees limits coverage to latitudes between roughly 52 degrees north and south, excluding the high-latitude boreal forests accessible to the polar-orbiting ICESat series. Within its coverage zone MOLI targets tropical and temperate forest canopy height and structure in support of carbon stock assessment ^[4].

Supported methodologies