European Space Agency launched Biomass satellite to count forest carbon

A satellite developed by British scientists and engineers is poised to become the world’s first to capture three-dimensional measurements of Earth’s forests from space.

The European Space Agency (ESA) has successfully launched its Biomass Earth observation mission from Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana.

Less than an hour after launch, Biomass separated from the rocket’s upper stage. At 12:28 CEST, the satellite controllers at ESA’s European Space Operations Centre in Germany received the all-important first signal, relayed via the Troll ground station in Antarctica, that Biomass is working as expected in orbit.

“With Biomass, we are poised to gain vital new data on how much carbon is stored in the world’s forests, helping to fill key gaps in our knowledge of the carbon cycle and, ultimately, Earth's climate system,” - said ESA’s Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Simonetta Cheli.

A major challenge for scientists and policymakers is the lack of accurate data on how much carbon forests store and how these stocks are changing owing to factors such as rising temperatures, increasing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, and human-driven land-use changes.

The mission is designed to deepen understanding of the world’s forests and their role in the carbon cycle. Using cutting-edge radar technology, the satellite will provide unprecedented insights into forest structure, including their size, biomass, and areas affected by deforestation.

This groundbreaking work is expected to be vital in tracking changes in tropical forests, supplying essential data to better comprehend the global carbon cycle and inform climate change strategies.

With this regard, UK Minister for Space Sir Chris Bryant said: "Britain is not only stepping to the forefront of the space industry, but of global climate action too. Contributing to such great extent to a European mission set to deliver vital global results is testament to the UK’s industrial and academic expertise in space technology and will attract global investment into our vibrant space ecosystem, helping us boost growth and deliver our Plan for Change."

The concept was conceived in Yorkshire, at the University of Sheffield by Professor Shaun Quegan, working with the National Centre for Earth Observation in Leicester. Other academics from the University of Edinburgh and UCL have brought modelling and data assimilation expertise to the application of Biomass data.   

Since 2016 the UK has won almost £77 million in contracts for Biomass through its membership of ESA.