Biomass is the first satellite to carry a P-band synthetic aperture radar, its signal capable of penetrating forest canopies to measure woody biomass - trunks, branches and stems.
At the Living Planet Symposium, the European Space Agency (ESA) unveiled the first images captured by its newly launched Biomass satellite, offering an early glimpse into what promises to be a major advance in understanding Earth’s forests and their role in the global carbon cycle. Although the mission is still in its early commissioning phase, the initial results signal strong potential for scientific insights, not only into forested regions but also some of the planet’s most remote and extreme landscapes.
Launched under ESA’s FutureEO programme less than two months ago, the Biomass mission is the latest in the agency’s Earth Explorer series. Its primary aim is to measure the amount of carbon stored in forests by observing woody biomass – including trunks, branches, and stems a critical step in monitoring climate change and forest health. This is made possible by the satellite’s unique payload: a pioneering P-band synthetic aperture radar, which can penetrate dense forest canopies to generate precise biomass data.
Michael Fehringer, ESA’s Biomass Project Manager, said: “As is routine, were still in the commissioning phase, fine-tuning the satellite to ensure it delivers the highest quality data for scientists to accurately determine how much carbon is stored in the world’s forests.
“Biomass is equipped with novel space technology, so we’ve been closely monitoring its performance in orbit, and we’re very pleased to report that everything is functioning smoothly and its first images are nothing short of spectacular and they’re only a mere glimpse of what is still to come.”
The data being returned so far is not yet calibrated for use in carbon quantification or scientific analysis. However, the clarity and quality of the initial images confirm that the satellite and its complex systems are functioning as designed.
ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Simonetta Cheli, added: “Looking at these first images, it’s clear to see that our Earth Explorer Biomass satellite is set to deliver on its promise.
“We fully expect that this new mission will provide a groundbreaking leap in our ability to understand Earth’s forests – combining cutting-edge radar technology with the scientific excellence that will unlock vital insights into carbon storage, climate change, and the health of our planet’s precious forest ecosystems.”
As Biomass continues to settle into its orbital routine, scientists and policymakers alike are looking ahead to the transformative data it will provide, shaping global efforts to combat climate change and protect the Earth’s natural resources.
