ICESat-2 By the Numbers: 0.2

The video explains the precision of the Atlas laser, which can maintain its focus on a silver dollar from 28 miles away. This precision is crucial for measuring Earth's height from orbit. To maintain stability, the Atlas uses a beam steering mechanism, a motorized mirror that adjusts for thermal changes in orbit, preventing the laser beams from bending as they travel to Earth.

What role does the motorized mirror play in the beam steering mechanism?

Why is it important for the Atlas beams to prevent bending as they head for Earth?