ESA's new biomass satellite could revolutionize how we study Earth's forests — Here's how it works
The ESA launched Biomass aboard a Vega-C rocket earlier this week. The launch vehicle blasted off from Kourou in French Guiana. Biomass is expected to revolutionize humanity's understanding of Earth's forests and the impact that human activities have on them.
The value that forests hold for the survival of our plant is well-known to everyone. They play one of the most crucial roles in the existence of humanity, and nearly all other life forms on Earth, by absorbing massive amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere and emitting oxygen in return. Forests cover nearly 31 per cent of the Earth's available land area. However, global forest covers are under a constant existential threat arising from human activities currently. Earlier this week, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched a satellite named Biomass, which is expected to advance humanity's understanding of how forests react to such adverse factors.
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads
As per estimates by NASA, forests across our planet absorb approximately 7.6 bn metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. However, the estimate may be far from reality as the actual figure changes rapidly due to the ever-growing levels of greenhouse gas emissions from industrial units. Moreover, studying the impact of adverse human activities, such as deforestation, is a major challenge due to natural hurdles like dense canopies. Want a Loan? Get cash against your Mutual Funds in 4 hours As such, it is a major challenge for scientists to accurately map out how forests respond to factors that are detrimental to their survival. However, that might change soon, thanks to the groundbreaking mission launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) on April 29. Biomass is a first-of-a-kind satellite that is equipped with an advanced technology called the P-band radar, which can penetrate the various natural obstacles that prevent effective remote monitoring of forests.
Also Read : Tina Fey's The Four Seasons just dropped — Here's what viewers can't stop talking about The P-band radar is a technology that can penetrate forest layers and clouds. The signals emitted from the radar can bounce off forest elements. The mission is aimed at enhancing humanity's understanding of the role that forests play in the carbon cycle and climate, according to ESA.
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads
The returning signals reveal details about forest biomass and height. The resulting data is expected to give scientists a deeper insight into habitat loss and its impact on biodiversity. The mission also allows scientists to map the subsurface geology of deserts, forest floor topography, and ice sheet structures.
To put it into simpler terms, Biomass has been developed to produce 3D maps of the Earth's forests. The satellite was launched aboard a Vega-C rocket, which blasted off from Kourou in French Guiana.
Also Read : Weight loss drug Wegovy can help fight deadly liver disease MASH, claims new study
1 . When was Biomass launched?
ESA's Biomass satellite was launched on April 29.
2 . Where was the satellite launched from?
Biomass was launched onboard a Vega-C launch vehicle from Kourou in French Guiana.
Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
25 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
Nuclear reactor on moon? How much NASA chief's plan could cost US
The Donald Trump government is amping up the space race with acting NASA chief, Sean Duffy, expected to announce plans to build a nuclear reactor on the moon. The NASA chief plans to instruct the space agency to seek proposals for a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor for the moon that would be ready for launch by 2030. Image for representation(Unsplash) Duffy's internal memo went out on Monday, New York Post reported. Notably, NASA has already explored the possibility of installing an electricity-generating nuclear reactor on the moon's surface, so as to power sustained human presence. However, the current NASA chief wants to fast-track this project and more than double the output of the reactor. What does the memo say? Duffy, in the memo, wrote 'To properly advance this critical technology to be able to support a future lunar economy, high power energy generation on Mars, and to strengthen our national security in space, it is imperative the agency move quickly.' Now, the directive will instruct NASA to seek proposals for a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor that would be ready for launch by 2030. Duffy added that if a nation like Russia or China were to build a reactor on the moon first, it could 'declare a keep-out zone which would significantly inhibit the United States.' Also Read | NASA's portable nuclear reactor could power missions to Mars As per Duffy's memo, NASA is to appoint a leader for the reactor project and get the input of the private industry within 60 days. NASA also plans to look for private spaceflight companies capable of getting the reactor to the moon by 2030. So, how much will all this cost the US government? Cost of building a nuclear reactor on the moon While the exact cost of building a nuclear reactor on the moon is not known yet, it would easily be in the billions. NASA already awarded three $5 million contracts in 2022, as it tasked each commercial partner with developing an initial design that included the reactor; its power conversion, heat rejection, and power management and distribution systems; estimated costs; and a development schedule for the reactor that would be on the moon. While this was just an initial payout, a look at how much the Rolls Royce project to build a space-suitable reactor costs, would give a better idea of expenses. The Rolls-Royce NSIP will have a total project cost of $11.7 million, as per Interesting Engineering. However, there are also operating and maintenance costs involved in this as the World Nuclear Association notes, though their observations are about nuclear reactors on earth. NASA's plan to put a nuclear reactor on the moon is part of the larger Artemis project, which has an estimated cost of around $93 billion, as per LiveScience.
Economic Times
2 hours ago
- Economic Times
A nuclear reactor on the Moon? How the U.S. just unleashed a new era of space power to outpace China and Russia
Synopsis A nuclear reactor on the Moon is no longer science fiction. Under the bold leadership of Sean Duffy, NASA is fast-tracking plans to launch a powerful nuclear power system to the lunar surface. This mission marks the beginning of a new era of space energy, where solar isn't enough and nuclear becomes the key to powering future Moon bases. With a 100-kilowatt target, this project is set to change how we explore space. From surviving long lunar nights to supporting astronauts, this move could redefine U.S. leadership in space. And yes, it's already in motion. A nuclear reactor on the Moon? It's no longer just a sci-fi dream. The U.S. has officially unleashed a bold new space initiative under NASA's interim chief and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy—one that aims to power future lunar missions with a 100-kilowatt nuclear reactor. This game-changing plan marks the beginning of a new era in space exploration, where America is racing to stay ahead of global rivals like China and Russia. NASA plan for nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030: In a move that could reshape the future of space exploration, interim NASA Administrator Sean Duffy, who also serves as Transportation Secretary and is a former Fox Business host, is expected to announce a fast-tracked plan to deploy a nuclear reactor on the Moon by the year 2030. This marks his first major agency initiative and signals the Trump administration's growing ambition to win the second space race—this time against China and Russia. NASA's goal is simple yet ambitious: power long-term lunar missions with a 100-kilowatt nuclear fission reactor. The technology will provide reliable, round-the-clock energy for astronauts, research stations, and equipment during the harsh 14-day lunar night, when solar power becomes unreliable. Unlike previous space energy systems, this lunar nuclear reactor would allow future missions to explore, mine, and survive in permanently shadowed craters near the Moon's south pole—potentially unlocking water, oxygen, and other vital resources. Sean Duffy is taking a more aggressive approach than past NASA leaders. While NASA had already been developing a 40-kilowatt fission surface power (FSP) system, Duffy has directed the agency to scale up to 100 kilowatts and shave years off the timeline—setting a launch target for 2030. He's also ordered: A 60-day deadline for industry proposals A designated lead coordinator inside NASA A full review of all nuclear power projects tied to lunar missions This push is all part of a broader strategy to outpace China, which is actively working on its own advanced lunar nuclear technology. Power is everything in space. And on the Moon, it's even more critical. Lunar nights last 14 Earth days—too long for solar panels to handle alone Nuclear power offers continuous energy, even in dark craters or during extreme cold A 100-kW reactor can power habitats, mining tools, scientific labs, and rovers at the same time Without nuclear, NASA would struggle to maintain permanent human presence on the Moon or build infrastructure needed for future Mars missions. The plan builds on NASA's Kilopower project, which successfully tested a small nuclear system back in 2018. The current design will likely: Be compact and lightweight, built to survive space launch Use highly enriched uranium to power a fission system Generate electricity through heat-to-electric converters Safety remains a top priority. All systems must meet strict launch and radiation standards to prevent harm in case of failure. The Department of Energy, FAA, and international agencies are expected to collaborate on safety protocols. Even with political backing, this won't be easy. Key challenges include: Massive payloads : Reactors aren't light—they require heavy-lift launch vehicles : Reactors aren't light—they require heavy-lift launch vehicles Regulatory approval : Launching nuclear material involves layers of red tape : Launching nuclear material involves layers of red tape Budget uncertainty : NASA faces proposed cuts of 25%, including 50% to science programs : NASA faces proposed cuts of 25%, including 50% to science programs Technology risks: Going from prototype to real deployment in 5 years is an engineering stretch Still, Duffy insists that America must lead in space power technology to stay ahead of its rivals. China has been vocal about its ambitions. Earlier this year, its state-run space agency claimed it had developed a smaller, more efficient reactor than NASA's planned design—using just 18 kilograms of uranium compared to the 70 kilograms in U.S. prototypes. Beijing has also accelerated its lunar base plans and suggested it could deploy nuclear systems to power its outposts by the early 2030s. The U.S. sees this as a clear challenge, and Duffy's announcement reflects growing pressure to counter China's space push. This isn't just another space headline. It's a signal that the U.S. is preparing to lead the next era of lunar exploration, with energy independence at its core. By fast-tracking a lunar nuclear reactor, Sean Duffy is putting NASA at the center of a global competition for off-world infrastructure. If successful, this move could lay the groundwork for everything from moon bases to Mars missions—and secure U.S. leadership in space for decades to come. Q: Is the U.S. really putting a nuclear reactor on the Moon? Yes, NASA plans to launch a nuclear reactor to power future Moon missions. Q: Who is leading NASA's new lunar nuclear project? Sean Duffy, the interim NASA chief and U.S. Transportation Secretary, is leading the effort.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
A nuclear reactor on the Moon? How the U.S. just unleashed a new era of space power to outpace China and Russia
NASA plan for nuclear reactor on the Moon by 2030: In a move that could reshape the future of space exploration, interim NASA Administrator Sean Duffy, who also serves as Transportation Secretary and is a former Fox Business host, is expected to announce a fast-tracked plan to deploy a nuclear reactor on the Moon by the year 2030. This marks his first major agency initiative and signals the Trump administration's growing ambition to win the second space race—this time against China and Russia. Why is NASA planning a nuclear reactor on the Moon? NASA's goal is simple yet ambitious: power long-term lunar missions with a 100-kilowatt nuclear fission reactor . The technology will provide reliable, round-the-clock energy for astronauts, research stations, and equipment during the harsh 14-day lunar night, when solar power becomes unreliable. Productivity Tool Zero to Hero in Microsoft Excel: Complete Excel guide By Metla Sudha Sekhar View Program Finance Introduction to Technical Analysis & Candlestick Theory By Dinesh Nagpal View Program Finance Financial Literacy i e Lets Crack the Billionaire Code By CA Rahul Gupta View Program Digital Marketing Digital Marketing Masterclass by Neil Patel By Neil Patel View Program Finance Technical Analysis Demystified- A Complete Guide to Trading By Kunal Patel View Program Productivity Tool Excel Essentials to Expert: Your Complete Guide By Study at home View Program Artificial Intelligence AI For Business Professionals Batch 2 By Ansh Mehra View Program Unlike previous space energy systems, this lunar nuclear reactor would allow future missions to explore, mine, and survive in permanently shadowed craters near the Moon's south pole—potentially unlocking water, oxygen, and other vital resources. What is Sean Duffy's plan and how is it different? Sean Duffy is taking a more aggressive approach than past NASA leaders. While NASA had already been developing a 40-kilowatt fission surface power (FSP) system, Duffy has directed the agency to scale up to 100 kilowatts and shave years off the timeline—setting a launch target for 2030. He's also ordered: Live Events A 60-day deadline for industry proposals A designated lead coordinator inside NASA A full review of all nuclear power projects tied to lunar missions This push is all part of a broader strategy to outpace China , which is actively working on its own advanced lunar nuclear technology. What makes nuclear power essential for Moon missions? Power is everything in space. And on the Moon, it's even more critical. Lunar nights last 14 Earth days—too long for solar panels to handle alone Nuclear power offers continuous energy, even in dark craters or during extreme cold A 100-kW reactor can power habitats, mining tools, scientific labs, and rovers at the same time Without nuclear, NASA would struggle to maintain permanent human presence on the Moon or build infrastructure needed for future Mars missions. How will this Moon reactor work? Is it safe? The plan builds on NASA's Kilopower project, which successfully tested a small nuclear system back in 2018. The current design will likely: Be compact and lightweight, built to survive space launch Use highly enriched uranium to power a fission system Generate electricity through heat-to-electric converters Safety remains a top priority. All systems must meet strict launch and radiation standards to prevent harm in case of failure. The Department of Energy, FAA, and international agencies are expected to collaborate on safety protocols. What are the challenges NASA could face? Even with political backing, this won't be easy . Key challenges include: Massive payloads : Reactors aren't light—they require heavy-lift launch vehicles Regulatory approval : Launching nuclear material involves layers of red tape Budget uncertainty : NASA faces proposed cuts of 25%, including 50% to science programs Technology risks : Going from prototype to real deployment in 5 years is an engineering stretch Still, Duffy insists that America must lead in space power technology to stay ahead of its rivals. Is China ahead in the space race? China has been vocal about its ambitions. Earlier this year, its state-run space agency claimed it had developed a smaller, more efficient reactor than NASA's planned design—using just 18 kilograms of uranium compared to the 70 kilograms in U.S. prototypes. Beijing has also accelerated its lunar base plans and suggested it could deploy nuclear systems to power its outposts by the early 2030s. The U.S. sees this as a clear challenge, and Duffy's announcement reflects growing pressure to counter China's space push. Why is this announcement such a big deal? This isn't just another space headline. It's a signal that the U.S. is preparing to lead the next era of lunar exploration, with energy independence at its core. By fast-tracking a lunar nuclear reactor, Sean Duffy is putting NASA at the center of a global competition for off-world infrastructure. If successful, this move could lay the groundwork for everything from moon bases to Mars missions—and secure U.S. leadership in space for decades to come. FAQs: Q: Is the U.S. really putting a nuclear reactor on the Moon? Yes, NASA plans to launch a nuclear reactor to power future Moon missions. Q: Who is leading NASA's new lunar nuclear project? Sean Duffy, the interim NASA chief and U.S. Transportation Secretary, is leading the effort.
