When most people think of NASA, they imagine rockets, planets, and distant galaxies. But some of NASA’s most critical work is much closer to home—monitoring Earth’s glaciers and ice sheets. From space-based satellites to airborne missions over Antarctica, NASA plays a leading role in understanding how ice is changing and what that means for the planet.
Glaciers are a key driver of sea level rise and a powerful indicator of climate change. As global temperatures rise, glaciers and ice sheets in Greenland, Antarctica, and mountain ranges worldwide are melting faster than ever before. Tracking these changes is essential for predicting future sea level rise, impacts on coastal communities, and shifts in water resources.
This is where NASA’s tools shine—offering global, continuous, and precise data on glacier volume, flow, elevation, and mass loss.
Key Missions and Tools
1. ICESat & ICESat-2
NASA’s ICESat (2003–2009) and its successor ICESat-2 (launched 2018) use laser altimetry to measure changes in ice sheet elevation over time. ICESat-2’s high-resolution data helps scientists track ice thinning, even on small glaciers.
Learn more: ICESat-2 mission page
2. GRACE & GRACE-FO
The GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment) missions measure tiny variations in Earth's gravity caused by mass changes—like the loss of ice. GRACE data has been instrumental in detecting ice mass loss in Greenland and Antarctica.
See data: GRACE Tellus
3. Operation IceBridge
From 2009 to 2021, Operation IceBridge filled the gap between ICESat missions using aircraft with radar, lasers, and cameras to map polar ice in detail. It provided 3D views of glaciers and helped validate satellite data.
Watch flyovers: IceBridge Flights
4. ArcticDEM & Digital Elevation Maps
NASA also supports the ArcticDEM and other mapping efforts that use satellite imagery to create detailed elevation models of glacier surfaces—essential for calculating volume changes over time.
Beyond Earth: Glaciers and Astrobiology
NASA’s glacier expertise also extends to planetary science. Earth’s glaciers serve as analogs for icy worlds like Europa and Enceladus, helping scientists design missions that search for ice-covered oceans and potential life.
NASA isn’t just exploring space—it’s watching Earth with unparalleled precision. Its glacier missions provide critical data that help scientists, policymakers, and communities prepare for the effects of a warming world. In the fight against climate change, NASA’s eyes in the sky are among our most powerful tools.
Explore NASA’s Earth Science work at climate.nasa.gov