ESA’s new biomass satellite could revolutionize how we study Earth’s forests — Here’s how it works

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.

Biomass satellite launch: Here's what you need to know

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.

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.


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What is a P-band radar?

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.

Biomass: How does the satellite work

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.

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FAQs

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.