Biomass Satellite Mission

Biomass Satellite Mission Latest News

The European Space Agency (ESA) is preparing to launch its newest space satellite, called Biomass.

About Biomass Satellite Mission

• It is a European Space Agency (ESA) mission to provide more accurate measurements of forest biomass to enhance our understanding of the carbon cycle.
• It will provide detailed 3D maps of the world's most dense and remote tropical forests.
• The mission will lift off aboard the Vega C rocket from Europe’s spaceport in French Guiana.
• It will be placed in a sun-synchronous orbit (SSO) — a type of orbit in which satellites are in sync with the Sun — at an altitude of around 666 km.
• It is the first space satellite to carry a long-wavelength radar, called P-band.
• This special radar means that it can scan deep through the forest canopy and collect information on different parts of the forest, such as tree trunks, branches, and stems, where trees store most of their carbon.
• This will allow the satellite to provide experts on the ground with new information on forest height and above-ground forest biomass from space.
• Scientists will then be able to find out more about the state of our forests and how they are changing, and further our knowledge about the role that forests play in the carbon cycle.

Biomass Satellite Mission FAQs

Q1. What is the mission of biomass?

Ans. It is designed to study forests and their role in the carbon cycle using advanced radar technology.

Q2. How long is the biomass mission?

Ans. The Biomass launch is expected in 2025 and is planned to be a five-year mission.

Q3. Which organization is responsible for the BIOMASS satellite mission?

Ans. European Space Agency (ESA)

Source: BBC