The European Space Agency (ESA) has launched its highly anticipated Biomass satellite, a state-of-the-art mission set to transform how we monitor the world’s forests from space.
The innovative Biomass mission will deliver unprecedented data on forest structure and carbon storage – crucial information for tracking deforestation, understanding Earth’s carbon cycle, and addressing the global climate crisis.
The satellite lifted off on April 29 at 11:15 CEST from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, aboard a Vega-C rocket.
Commenting on the landmark launch, ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Simonetta Cheli, said: “I’d like to extend my congratulations to everyone who has been involved in developing and launching this extraordinary mission.
“Biomass now joins our esteemed family of Earth Explorers – missions that have consistently delivered groundbreaking discoveries and advanced scientific understanding of our planet.
“With Biomass, we are poised to gain vital new data on how much carbon is stored in the world’s forests, helping to fill key gaps in our knowledge of the carbon cycle and, ultimately, Earth’s climate system.”
Successful deployment and first signal
Less than an hour after liftoff, Biomass successfully separated from the rocket’s upper stage. At 12:28 CEST, ESA’s European Space Operations Centre in Germany received the satellite’s first signal – relayed via the Troll ground station in Antarctica – confirming that it is fully operational in orbit.
Over the coming days, mission controllers will carry out a critical phase of post-launch checks and calibration. This includes deploying the satellite’s massive 12-metre mesh radar reflector, supported by a 7.5-metre boom, and ensuring all systems function as expected.
The power of P-band radar
Biomass is the first satellite to carry a P-band synthetic aperture radar, a powerful sensor capable of penetrating thick cloud cover and dense forest canopies.
This radar bounces signals off trunks, branches, and forest floors, allowing scientists to measure “woody biomass,” which stores most of a forest’s carbon.
Developed by over 50 companies led by Airbus UK, this unique radar system is set to revolutionise how researchers assess forest carbon stocks – key data for tackling climate change.
Why biomass matters
Forests act as the planet’s green lungs, absorbing about 8 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide each year.
Yet deforestation and forest degradation, especially in tropical regions, are releasing that stored carbon back into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming.
Until now, the lack of accurate global data on forest carbon storage has posed a major challenge to climate science and policy.
Biomass will fill this gap, dramatically improving estimates of carbon stocks and fluxes caused by land-use changes, deforestation, and regrowth.
A global mission with long-term impact
With its successful launch and early operations underway, ESA’s Biomass satellite is poised to begin delivering critical data on the world’s forests.
By measuring forest biomass and tracking changes over time, the mission will provide scientists and policymakers with the reliable information they need to better understand the impacts of deforestation, climate change, and land-use shifts.
As the satellite transitions into full operation, it marks a significant step forward in the global effort to protect forests and mitigate climate change.
