The European Space Agency's (ESA) Biomass satellite, launched on April 29, 2025, has become operational. This marks a significant leap forward in understanding Earth's forests and their role in the global carbon cycle.
Biomass is the first satellite to use a P-band synthetic aperture radar. This allows it to penetrate forest canopies and measure woody biomass, including trunks, branches, and stems. This is where most forest carbon is stored.
The satellite will monitor deforestation, forest degradation, and reforestation globally. The mission is planned to last at least five years, providing critical data for climate change mitigation. ESA's Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Simonetta Cheli, highlighted the mission's potential.
This innovative technology will provide invaluable insights into forest health and contribute to global efforts in combating climate change. The successful deployment of Biomass underscores Europe's commitment to advancing space-based environmental monitoring.