NASA's 'Jedi' space laser satellite that is the size of a FRIDGE will map the Earth's forests

A new weapon in the fight to protect species from extinction has been launched, in the form of a a NASA space laser satellite that will monitor Earth's forests. Gedi - pronounced Jedi, a reference to Star Wars - will use lidar technology as it soars over the dark and light side of the planet. The device, which is the size of a fridge, will help scientists understand why forests are declining and experts hope this will help them reverse the trend. By working out the spread and density of tropical and temperate forests, scientists can work out which habitats and therefore species are most at risk. A NASA space laser satellite that is the size of a fridge will map and monitor Earth's forests to protect at risk species from extinction.