Latest news with #EarthExplorer
Broadcast Pro
25-06-2025
- Science
- Broadcast Pro
ESA unveils first images from Biomass satellite
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 Earths 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 ESAs FutureEO programme less than two months ago, the Biomass mission is the latest in the agencys 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 satellites unique payload: a pioneering P-band synthetic aperture radar, which can penetrate dense forest canopies to generate precise biomass data. Michael Fehringer, ESAs 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 worlds forests. 'Biomass is equipped with novel space technology, so weve been closely monitoring its performance in orbit, and were very pleased to report that everything is functioning smoothly and its first images are nothing short of spectacular and theyre 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. ESAs Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Simonetta Cheli, added: 'Looking at these first images, its 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 planets 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 Earths natural resources.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Watch flower-like antenna of European forest-watching satellite 'bloom' in space (video)
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The huge antenna for the newly launched Biomass forest-monitoring satellite has been successfully deployed, the European Space Agency (ESA) announced on Wednesday (May 7). The multi-day deployment was the final hurdle for the mission's launch and early operations stage, which ESA says should be completed soon. "I'm delighted to see Biomass successfully deploy its remarkable antenna — a major milestone for one of our most pioneering Earth Explorer missions," Simonetta Cheli, director of ESA's Earth Observation Programmes, said in a statement. The Biomass satellite launched April 29 atop a Vega-C rocket from French Guiana. Designed to provide "unprecedented insights into the world's forests and their vital role in Earth's carbon cycle," Biomass went through a few in-orbit checks before deploying a supporting boom for the antenna. After the boom was fully extended, the team deployed the mesh antenna reflector, which "essentially unfolds like an umbrella above the satellite," ESA's Stefan Kiryenko, who was responsible for deploying the antenna reflector, said in the same statement. With the 39-foot-wide (12 meters) antenna in place, the mission will soon enter its commissioning phase, in which the team will fine-tune the satellite's systems. ESA expects this process to last around six months. "With this achievement, we're another significant step closer to unlocking unprecedented knowledge about the world's forests, including crucial data on carbon stocks and fluxes — fundamental to understanding and managing Earth's carbon cycle," Cheli said. Related stories: — Vega-C rocket launches European forest-monitoring 'Biomass' satellite to orbit (video) — NASA satellite sees overheated tropical forests oozing with carbon dioxide — Climate change: Causes and effects Onboard Biomass is a P-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instrument. It's a type of radar that can penetrate vegetation, like the canopy of a forest. This is the first time such an instrument has been launched to space, according to mission team members. The antenna reflector will send the radar's "footprint" to Earth, then receive a return signal with data on the carbon content of forests. ESA will use the data Biomass collects to understand more about the current state of our forests and how they are changing. Biomass is a part of ESA's "Earth Explorers" satellite series. "These missions, developed through our FutureEO research and development programme, are designed to demonstrate cutting-edge space technologies and deliver exceptional insights about our planet," Cheli said.
