Biomass (ESA)

ESA's Biomass satellite launched on April 29, 2025 on Vega-C.

Image: NASA.

The Five W's of Biomass

Who

ESA (European Space Agency).

Source: ESA, Biomass launched

What

The first P-band synthetic aperture radar in space.

Source: ESA, Biomass launched

When

Launched April 29, 2025 on Vega-C.

Source: ESA, Biomass launched

Where

Earth orbit, looking through the world's forest canopies.

Source: ESA, Biomass launched

Why

To measure the woody biomass where forests store carbon, and track deforestation and regrowth.

Source: ESA, Biomass launched

Impact Statement

Agency solution · active

ESA's Biomass satellite launched on April 29, 2025 on Vega-C. It carries the first P-band synthetic aperture radar in space; its long wavelength (about 70 cm) reaches through forest canopies to measure the woody trunks and branches where carbon is stored.

Source: ESA, Biomass launched to count forest carbon

Its maps of forest carbon, height and disturbance give the world a better count of deforestation and regrowth. See our Forests hub for the groups replanting on the ground.

For Further Information: ESA, Biomass launched to count forest carbon

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