Biomass satellite to lift off aboard Vega C in late April

The European Space Agency's Earth Explorer program is renowned for producing world-class scientific data on Earth's dynamic systems. Forests, which absorb about 8 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, play a critical role in climate regulation. However, deforestation and degradation, particularly in tropical regions, are reversing this benefit by releasing stored carbon back into the atmosphere. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of this process is key to assessing broader climate impacts.

Biomass is equipped with the first P-band synthetic aperture radar ever flown in space. With a wavelength of roughly 70 centimeters, the radar can penetrate dense forest canopies, allowing it to assess forest structure and measure carbon content. The mission will monitor forest height and biomass distribution over time, offering valuable insight into carbon storage and ecological changes.

Beyond tracking forest biomass, the satellite will also provide data on subsurface geological formations in deserts, internal ice sheet structures, and forest floor topography. Built by Airbus Defence and Space, Biomass is designed for a mission duration of at least five years. During this period, it will observe a minimum of eight forest growth cycles.

These comprehensive measurements will not only enhance understanding of the global carbon cycle but also shed light on habitat loss rates and their potential effects on forest biodiversity.