Australian scientists are on the cusp of a groundbreaking innovation in Earth observation: the Earth Dynamics Geodetic Explorer (EDGE) mission. This cutting-edge project, led by Helen Amanda Fricker at the University of California San Diego, promises to revolutionize our understanding of our planet's critical regions. But what sets EDGE apart is its unique capabilities and the diverse team behind it, including several Australian researchers.
A Global Vision
EDGE is designed as the world's first global, swath-imaging LiDAR satellite. Unlike previous missions, it will simultaneously monitor land, ice, and coastal regions, providing unprecedented detail. Led by Fricker, the mission aims to offer global coverage by obtaining continuous data in five, 120-meter-wide swaths at a higher resolution than any previous satellite altimeter.
Aussie Involvement
Dr. Alex Fraser, from the University of Tasmania's Australian Antarctic Program Partnership, is a key collaborator. His expertise lies in tracking sea-ice changes around Antarctica due to global heating. EDGE will significantly enhance this research, enabling precise measurements of the Earth's dynamic surface, from Antarctic glaciers to the Amazon rainforest, with an accuracy of less than three centimeters from 390 kilometers above the Earth.
Teamwork and Expertise
The EDGE team includes other Australian connections. Principal investigator Fricker obtained her PhD in glaciology from the University of Tasmania in 1998. Dr. Petra Heil, an AAPP affiliate with the British Antarctic Survey, also contributes to the mission.
Ice, Fire, and Beyond
Ben Smith, a glaciologist from the University of Washington, highlights EDGE's ability to provide detailed portraits of ice sheets, especially rapidly changing glaciers and ice shelves near coasts. The mission will map crevasses and rifts, offering insights into short-term cryosphere changes. Smith's experience with ICESat-2 underscores the value of EDGE's multi-decadal record of change.
But EDGE's capabilities extend beyond ice-covered regions. It will monitor biodiversity, assess fire risks, and account for carbon storage. Chris Hakkenberg from UCLA emphasizes its ability to consistently monitor 3D forest habitats from the tropics to the boreal, informing next-generation wildfire management tools that enhance community safety and public health.
A Journey Ahead
EDGE and the STRIVE mission will undergo further development before a progress and funding review in 2027. If approved, launches are planned for no earlier than 2030. This ambitious project promises to unlock new frontiers in Earth observation, thanks to the dedication of scientists and engineers worldwide, with significant contributions from Australian researchers.
