The advanced observation satellite Biomass, built by Airbus, has been successfully launched into orbit aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. As one of the pioneering Earth Explorer missions by the European Space Agency (ESA), Biomass will deliver groundbreaking data by monitoring forest biomass and the carbon cycle, making a significant contribution to combating climate change.
A First with P-Band Radar: Delving Deep into Forests
Biomass is equipped with a P-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) system, a technology being used from space for the first time. The satellite carries a giant 12-metre antenna capable of sending signals through forest canopies down to the ground and analysing the reflected data. This enables:
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Highly accurate mapping of terrestrial carbon stocks and fluxes,
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Detection of biomass changes in tropical, temperate, and boreal forests,
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Investigation of fossil water sources (palaeo-aquifers) in arid regions,
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Observation of ice sheet dynamics and subsurface geology.
Five-Year Mission: Global Monitoring from 666 km
Over its five-year mission, the satellite will continuously scan the world’s forests from an altitude of 666 km. Alain Fauré, Head of Space Systems at Airbus Defence and Space, stated: “Biomass is now safely in orbit and ready to begin transmitting valuable scientific data.”
International Collaboration and REDD+ Support
More than 50 companies from 20 different countries participated in the development and testing of the Biomass satellite. By providing continuous forest monitoring without the need for ground-based intervention, the satellite will also support the United Nations’ REDD+ programme, which aims to reduce carbon emissions caused by deforestation.
A Global Climate Initiative from Europe
Developed across Airbus sites in Stevenage (UK), Friedrichshafen (Germany), and Toulouse (France), the satellite was shipped to French Guiana in February 2025. Following its successful deployment into orbit, commissioning began in parallel with a ground calibration system located in New Norcia, Australia.
