THE WORLD, EXPLAINED.

NASA outlines laser-mapping instrument designed to fill Earth-observation gaps

CASALS combines lidar techniques with machine learning; space deployment remains a future objective.

By Ayal · October 21, 2026 · Updated October 22, 2026

NASA’s CASALS lidar visualization of a flight over the Great Cypress Swamp in Delaware on November 12, 2024. Scientific data visualization, not a conventional photograph; NASA published the preview in its October 21, 2026 feature. NASA / CASALS Great Cypress Swamp lidar visualization — NASA — NASA editorial image-use guidelines. Source: https://science.nasa.gov/science-research/science-enabling-technology/technology-highlights/nasas-casals-instrument-bridges-gaps-in-3d-maps-of-earths-surface/ License: https://www.nasa.gov/nasa-brand-center/images-and-media/ Provider-sized copy; no content edits. Display may crop to fit cards.

In an October 21 technology update, NASA described CASALS, an experimental laser-mapping instrument intended to record continuous three-dimensional views of terrain and vegetation.

NASA reported an airborne prototype flight in November 2024. Further development is needed before a space-ready version, with additional airborne work planned for 2027.

Sources & references

NASA Science

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