A unique British satellite is set to launch on 29th April, bringing new hope to the global fight against climate change by providing vital data for forest mapping. Known as Biomass, the satellite will be the first to create detailed 3D maps of tropical forests from space, offering an unprecedented view of forest structure and carbon storage.
Developed entirely in the UK by a team of experts, Biomass is designed to monitor the health and size of the world’s forests, with a particular focus on dense, hard-to-reach rainforests. The satellite will gather essential carbon data, helping scientists track how much carbon is stored in forests or released through deforestation. This information is crucial in improving the accuracy of the global carbon budget and understanding the role of forests in climate change.
Forest destruction and regrowth significantly impact the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, which is why monitoring forests is critical. While current satellite technologies can only measure the forest canopy, leaving much of the important data hidden beneath the treetops, Biomass has been designed to overcome this limitation. The satellite can penetrate cloud cover and thick tree canopies, allowing for more comprehensive and detailed 3D data collection.
The Biomass mission is a significant milestone for the UK space industry and the global effort to combat climate change. Academics from the University of Sheffield conceived the mission, which was built by Airbus UK in Stevenage. The project has supported around 250 skilled jobs in the UK, highlighting the country’s leadership in space and environmental technology.
This launch is also a testament to the UK’s growing collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA), having secured nearly €91 million in contracts since 2016. The satellite will be launched from Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, and is expected to operate in orbit for five years.
The primary mission of Biomass will be to create a complete 3D map of tropical forests within the first 17 months of its operation. Following that, the satellite will continue to generate updated maps every nine months. These detailed maps will play a vital role in shaping global environmental policies, supporting efforts to preserve biodiversity, and helping nations meet their net-zero targets.
With more accurate data on the volume of carbon stored in forests, Biomass will provide governments and organisations with the information needed to make more informed decisions on conservation, reforestation, and sustainable land management. In addition, the satellite will help track the effects of deforestation and forest degradation on biodiversity, areas that have long been under-monitored due to the inaccessibility of tropical forests.
Beyond its scientific significance, the Biomass satellite highlights the UK’s commitment to climate leadership and economic growth through innovation. The mission aligns with the UK government’s broader Plan for Change, aiming to attract international investment, stimulate local economies, and inspire future advancements in space technology and environmental science.
With over 50 companies from 20 countries contributing to the project, Biomass is a shining example of global collaboration. The UK plays a central role in advancing technology that can address the planet’s most pressing environmental challenges. By providing critical insights into carbon storage and deforestation, the satellite is poised to help mitigate emissions and protect forests, playing a key role in the transition to a more sustainable future.
