The European Space Agency (ESA) has released the first stunning images from its groundbreaking Biomass satellite mission, marking a major leap forward in understanding how Earth’s forests are changing and contributing to the global carbon cycle. The satellite, launched less than two months ago, is equipped with novel space technology that allows it to penetrate forest canopies to measure woody biomass, a proxy for carbon storage.
The first set of images show remarkable potential to unlock new insights into extreme environments beyond forests. Biomass’ P-band synthetic aperture radar instrument enables scientists to accurately quantify forest carbon stocks and better understand the role of tropical forests in the global carbon cycle.
While it’s still in the commissioning phase, the satellite has already returned data, demonstrating its capabilities in characterizing forest structure and detecting features down to the forest floor. The images show distinct characteristics of landscapes, including rainforests, wetlands, and grasslands.
The Biomass mission is expected to provide a groundbreaking leap in our ability to understand Earth’s forests and their role in climate change. By combining cutting-edge radar technology with scientific excellence, scientists will unlock vital insights into carbon storage, climate change, and the health of precious forest ecosystems.
The satellite’s long-wavelength radar allows for deeper penetration into ice, enabling the retrieval of valuable information on ice velocity and internal structure. This capability could help understand past climates and prospect fossil water resources in desert regions.
Source: https://www.esa.int/Applications/Observing_the_Earth/FutureEO/Biomass/Biomass_satellite_returns_striking_first_images_of_forests_and_more