New ESA Satellite Biomass Launched to Measure Global Forest Biomass

The European Space Agency (ESA) has successfully launched the Biomass satellite, designed to provide unprecedented insights into global forest biomass and its crucial role in the carbon cycle. The satellite was propelled into orbit aboard a Vega-C rocket from the spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, and established communication shortly after launch.

Biomass is poised to deliver the most accurate assessment of forest biomass worldwide. This mission, which has been in development for nearly two decades, utilizes advanced radar technology that penetrates tree canopies, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of individual trees and overall biomass across forests.

In the coming days, ESA engineers will conduct thorough checks on the satellite's systems and deploy a 12-meter reflector attached to a 7.5-meter antenna, enabling the satellite to commence its mission. This will generate continuous maps detailing the state and changes in forests globally, providing vital data for climate modeling and environmental research.

Biomass will orbit Earth at an altitude of 666 kilometers, with a mission duration planned for five years. The satellite is equipped with a P-band radar, noted for its innovative capabilities, and is the first of its kind to be launched into space. This radar, developed by Airbus, is the sole instrument aboard Biomass and is expected to revolutionize forest monitoring.

This launch marks a significant milestone for ESA, coinciding with its 50th anniversary. The Vega-C rocket's launch is particularly noteworthy as it follows a nearly two-year hiatus, addressing Europe's need for independent access to space. The next launch is scheduled for June.

Biomass represents a critical advancement in our understanding of forests, which play a pivotal role in regulating atmospheric carbon levels. By offering detailed insights into forest health and changes over time, the mission aims to enhance climate change models and inform conservation efforts.