Latest news with #SimonettaCheli
Broadcast Pro
25-06-2025
- Science
- Broadcast Pro
ESA unveils first images from Biomass satellite
Biomass is the first satellite to carry a P-band synthetic aperture radar, its signal capable of penetrating forest canopies to measure woody biomass trunks, branches and stems. At the Living Planet Symposium, the European Space Agency (ESA) unveiled the first images captured by its newly launched Biomass satellite, offering an early glimpse into what promises to be a major advance in understanding Earths forests and their role in the global carbon cycle. Although the mission is still in its early commissioning phase, the initial results signal strong potential for scientific insights, not only into forested regions but also some of the planet's most remote and extreme landscapes. Launched under ESAs FutureEO programme less than two months ago, the Biomass mission is the latest in the agencys Earth Explorer series. Its primary aim is to measure the amount of carbon stored in forests by observing woody biomass including trunks, branches, and stems a critical step in monitoring climate change and forest health. This is made possible by the satellites unique payload: a pioneering P-band synthetic aperture radar, which can penetrate dense forest canopies to generate precise biomass data. Michael Fehringer, ESAs Biomass Project Manager, said: 'As is routine, were still in the commissioning phase, fine-tuning the satellite to ensure it delivers the highest quality data for scientists to accurately determine how much carbon is stored in the worlds forests. 'Biomass is equipped with novel space technology, so weve been closely monitoring its performance in orbit, and were very pleased to report that everything is functioning smoothly and its first images are nothing short of spectacular and theyre only a mere glimpse of what is still to come.' The data being returned so far is not yet calibrated for use in carbon quantification or scientific analysis. However, the clarity and quality of the initial images confirm that the satellite and its complex systems are functioning as designed. ESAs Director of Earth Observation Programmes, Simonetta Cheli, added: 'Looking at these first images, its clear to see that our Earth Explorer Biomass satellite is set to deliver on its promise. 'We fully expect that this new mission will provide a groundbreaking leap in our ability to understand Earth's forests combining cutting-edge radar technology with the scientific excellence that will unlock vital insights into carbon storage, climate change, and the health of our planets precious forest ecosystems.' As Biomass continues to settle into its orbital routine, scientists and policymakers alike are looking ahead to the transformative data it will provide, shaping global efforts to combat climate change and protect the Earths natural resources.
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
'Nothing short of spectacular': ESA's Biomass satellite releases 1st views of Earth from orbit (photos)
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. VIENNA, AUSTRIA — An exclamation of awe, excitement and cheers erupted today at ESA's Living Planet Symposium as a striking new window into Earth's forests, deserts and glaciers opened with the release of the first images from ESA's Biomass satellite. Unveiled at the Living Planet Symposium 2025 in Vienna, the images mark a major milestone in our understanding of how Earth stores carbon — and how climate change is transforming ecosystems. Just two months after launch, ESA's Biomass mission is already delivering on its promise, offering a glimpse into the potential of its novel radar system. Although the mission is still in its commissioning phase, the early images are already showing the satellite's capabilities. "These first images are nothing short of spectacular — and they're only a mere glimpse of what is still to come," said Michael Fehringer, ESA's Biomass Project Manager, in a statement. "As is routine, we're still in the commissioning phase, fine-tuning the satellite to ensure it delivers the highest quality data for scientists to accurately determine how much carbon is stored in the world's forests." ESA leaders are already praising the efforts of the many scientists behind the program. "It was extremely emotional because it was the work of hundreds of people," Simonetta Cheli, Simonetta Cheli, ESA's Director of Earth Observation Programmes, told in an interview. "It's very symbolic of the effort behind the scenes and the potential that this mission has." This first image captures a vibrant region of Bolivia where rainforest meets riverine floodplains. Bolivia has suffered significant deforestation, primarily due to agricultural expansion. In the image, different colors highlight distinct ecosystems: green for rainforest, red for forested wetlands and floodplains, and blue-purple for grasslands. The dark snaking line of the Beni River — free-flowing and undammed — cuts through the landscape. "It shows the beauty of our Earth and what we can do to protect it," said Cheli in a press conference following the Biomass image release at the Living Planet Symposium, Vienna. In this paired image, the same Bolivian landscape is shown as seen by Biomass and by Copernicus Sentinel-2. Though they may appear visually similar, only Biomass, with its penetrating P-band radar, captures the full vertical forest structure beneath the canopy. This makes it far more effective at measuring forest biomass and carbon content. While Sentinel-2 is limited to surface features, Biomass unlocks a 3D view of forests vital for accurate carbon accounting. This striking view over northern Brazil was the first image returned by Biomass. The satellite's radar reveals subtle terrain and vegetation differences across the Amazon rainforest. Red and pink tones indicate forested wetlands and floodplains, especially along rivers, while the green regions depict dense forest and more rugged topography in the north. The image hints at Biomass' potential to monitor forest health and structure across remote, ecologically critical areas of the Amazon Basin. This image features the mountainous Halmahera rainforest in Indonesia, revealing complex topography shaped by volcanic forces. Mount Gamkonora, still active, is visible near the northern coast. Despite dense vegetation, Biomass' radar can penetrate the canopy to expose the contours of volcanoes and the surrounding forest floor. It's a striking example of the satellite's power to map both biomass and terrain, crucial for understanding the landscape dynamics of tectonically and volcanically active regions. In this image, Biomass peers into the heart of Africa's Congo Basin, capturing Gabon's dense forests and the winding Ivindo River, an ecological lifeline. The river and its tributaries appear clearly against a rich green background representing unbroken rainforest. Here, Biomass reveals hidden structures beneath the sands of the Sahara in northern Chad, including parts of the Tibesti Mountains. Its P-band radar can penetrate up to five meters below the desert surface, exposing the shapes of ancient riverbeds and geologic formations long buried beneath arid terrain. This capability opens new frontiers in paleoclimate research and groundwater mapping, especially in extreme environments once considered too opaque for remote sensing. The final image showcases the frozen landscape of Antarctica, where the Nimrod Glacier flows into the Ross Ice Shelf alongside the Transantarctic Mountains. Biomass' radar can see into the ice, hinting at its ability to track internal ice structures and flow velocities. Unlike shorter-wavelength radar missions, Biomass may unlock key data about ice sheet dynamics and stability, critical for understanding future sea-level rise in a warming world. While these early results aren't yet calibrated for scientific analysis, they confirm that Biomass is on track to meet — and possibly exceed — its ambitious goals. With a mission designed to span five years, Biomass will provide consistent, global coverage of Earth's forested regions, contributing vital data for climate models, conservation efforts, and carbon accounting. As the satellite transitions into full operational mode, scientists are eagerly anticipating the datasets that could transform how we monitor — and protect — the living lungs of our planet.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
The launch of ESA's Biomass: A European leap into Earth observation
Over 95 per cent of French Guiana - a French overseas department nestled between Brazil and Suriname - is covered in tropical forests, a wild, thick, humid ecosystem found in regions near the equator. Tropical forests play an important role in mitigating climate change, as they absorb a great share of the carbon dioxide (CO2) stored in terrestrial biomass. However, quantifying exactly how much CO2 these forests absorb is challenging, as their dense canopies make them almost impenetrable. Related ESA successfully launches Biomass, the satellite set to unlock the secrets of the world's forests But the answer to these doubts might come from French Guiana itself. Blasting off from Europe's spaceport in Kourou on April 29, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched Biomass into orbit, a satellite designed to measure the amount of carbon tropical forests store. Euronews Tech Talks was on site for the liftoff. In the first of two special episodes dedicated to the satellite, the podcast looks back at the eve of the launch to explore the satellite, the people working on it, and how they felt ahead of the crucial launch day. Biomass is the seventh mission of ESA's Future EO programme, a series of projects based on proposals from scientists to test new technologies and analyse specific aspects of our planet. In the case of Biomass, its standout feature is its P-band radar, a technology never used before in space. The P-band instrument, which resembles an umbrella, sends low-frequency signals that penetrate the canopy and bounce back to the satellite, providing data on the quantity of carbon stored and its location within the trees. Related ESA launches EarthCARE satellite to study the impact of clouds on climate change This instrument will not replace on-the-ground research on tropical forests, but it will provide essential data to understand their role in carbon flows. In fact, grasping how much carbon is stored in terrestrial biomass can help researchers determine the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. "It's not just scientifically relevant, but it also has real value for all of us citizens," Simonetta Cheli, ESA director of Earth observation programmes, told Euronews. "It contributes to a healthier planet, to improving our health and the quality of the air we breathe," she continued. To organise and conduct the mission, ESA relied on the support of multiple European actors. The satellite was manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space, and launched into orbit by the Vega C. The rocket's components were produced across 13 ESA member states, with the Italian company Avio serving as the lead contractor and design authority of the project. "It took us years to get here, but now we're able to offer a range of launch capabilities that can meet practically any need in Europe," Giulio Ranzo, CEO of Avio, told Euronews. Related T-Minus Ariane 6: Inside Europe's critical mission to reclaim space autonomy The other two important players in the project are Arianespace and CNES, the French space agency. The former oversaw the launch and is responsible for the commercial exploitation of the launcher. The latter contributed to the research behind the satellite's development, managed the launch campaign, and is involved in collecting data from the satellite in orbit. All these actors worked together for over a decade to prepare the satellite and its launch into space, a challenging move due to the ambitious novelty of the P-band radar. Related Europe's space sector to soon welcome Ariane 6: 'The missions will be longer and more versatile' On April 28, the day before the launch, Kourou spaceport welcomed representatives, professionals and journalists looking forward to witnessing Biomass's lift-off. In the Jupiter Centre, one of the main buildings in the space facility housing the Mission Control Room, the air was filled with a shared sense of anticipation. Some people were rational, including Jean-Frédéric Alasa, launch range operations director at CNES. "We're always excited to launch because it's the end of a long phase of preparation," he told Euronews. "But we also consider the situation in which we have a failure, because a launch is complicated". Others were driven by a determined optimism. "We are very confident, it will work, and it will be useful for all of us," Michael Fehringer, Biomass project manager, told Euronews. But how did the launch go? To find out more, listen to this episode of Euronews Tech Talks and to the next one, out on May 28.
Euronews
15-05-2025
- Science
- Euronews
ESA's Biomass launch: A European leap into Earth observation
Over 95 per cent of French Guiana - a French overseas department nestled between Brazil and Suriname - is covered in tropical forests, a wild, thick, humid ecosystem found in regions near the equator. Tropical forests play an important role in mitigating climate change, as they absorb a great share of the carbon dioxide (CO2) stored in terrestrial biomass. However, quantifying exactly how much CO2 these forests absorb is challenging, as their dense canopies make them almost impenetrable. But the answer to these doubts might come from French Guiana itself. Blasting off from Europe's spaceport in Kourou on April 29, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched Biomass into orbit, a satellite designed to measure the amount of carbon tropical forests store. Euronews Tech Talks was on site for the liftoff. In the first of two special episodes dedicated to the satellite, the podcast looks back at the eve of the launch to explore the satellite, the people working on it, and how they felt ahead of the crucial launch day. Biomass is the seventh mission of ESA's Future EO programme, a series of projects based on proposals from scientists to test new technologies and analyse specific aspects of our planet. In the case of Biomass, its standout feature is its P-band radar, a technology never used before in space. The P-band instrument, which resembles an umbrella, sends low-frequency signals that penetrate the canopy and bounce back to the satellite, providing data on the quantity of carbon stored and its location within the trees. This instrument will not replace on-the-ground research on tropical forests, but it will provide essential data to understand their role in carbon flows. In fact, grasping how much carbon is stored in terrestrial biomass can help researchers determine the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. "It's not just scientifically relevant, but it also has real value for all of us citizens," Simonetta Cheli, ESA director of Earth observation programmes, told Euronews. "It contributes to a healthier planet, to improving our health and the quality of the air we breathe," she continued. To organise and conduct the mission, ESA relied on the support of multiple European actors. The satellite was manufactured by Airbus Defence and Space, and launched into orbit by the Vega C. The rocket's components were produced across 13 ESA member states, with the Italian company Avio serving as the lead contractor and design authority of the project. "It took us years to get here, but now we're able to offer a range of launch capabilities that can meet practically any need in Europe," Giulio Ranzo, CEO of Avio, told Euronews. The other two important players in the project are Arianespace and CNES, the French space agency. The former oversaw the launch and is responsible for the commercial exploitation of the launcher. The latter contributed to the research behind the satellite's development, managed the launch campaign, and is involved in collecting data from the satellite in orbit. All these actors worked together for over a decade to prepare the satellite and its launch into space, a challenging move due to the ambitious novelty of the P-band radar. On April 28, the day before the launch, Kourou spaceport welcomed representatives, professionals and journalists looking forward to witnessing Biomass's lift-off. In the Jupiter Centre, one of the main buildings in the space facility housing the Mission Control Room, the air was filled with a shared sense of anticipation. Some people were rational, including Jean-Frédéric Alasa, launch range operations director at CNES. "We're always excited to launch because it's the end of a long phase of preparation," he told Euronews. "But we also consider the situation in which we have a failure, because a launch is complicated". Others were driven by a determined optimism. "We are very confident, it will work, and it will be useful for all of us," Michael Fehringer, Biomass project manager, told Euronews. But how did the launch go? To find out more, listen to this episode of Euronews Tech Talks and to the next one, out on May 28.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Watch flower-like antenna of European forest-watching satellite 'bloom' in space (video)
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. The huge antenna for the newly launched Biomass forest-monitoring satellite has been successfully deployed, the European Space Agency (ESA) announced on Wednesday (May 7). The multi-day deployment was the final hurdle for the mission's launch and early operations stage, which ESA says should be completed soon. "I'm delighted to see Biomass successfully deploy its remarkable antenna — a major milestone for one of our most pioneering Earth Explorer missions," Simonetta Cheli, director of ESA's Earth Observation Programmes, said in a statement. The Biomass satellite launched April 29 atop a Vega-C rocket from French Guiana. Designed to provide "unprecedented insights into the world's forests and their vital role in Earth's carbon cycle," Biomass went through a few in-orbit checks before deploying a supporting boom for the antenna. After the boom was fully extended, the team deployed the mesh antenna reflector, which "essentially unfolds like an umbrella above the satellite," ESA's Stefan Kiryenko, who was responsible for deploying the antenna reflector, said in the same statement. With the 39-foot-wide (12 meters) antenna in place, the mission will soon enter its commissioning phase, in which the team will fine-tune the satellite's systems. ESA expects this process to last around six months. "With this achievement, we're another significant step closer to unlocking unprecedented knowledge about the world's forests, including crucial data on carbon stocks and fluxes — fundamental to understanding and managing Earth's carbon cycle," Cheli said. Related stories: — Vega-C rocket launches European forest-monitoring 'Biomass' satellite to orbit (video) — NASA satellite sees overheated tropical forests oozing with carbon dioxide — Climate change: Causes and effects Onboard Biomass is a P-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR) instrument. It's a type of radar that can penetrate vegetation, like the canopy of a forest. This is the first time such an instrument has been launched to space, according to mission team members. The antenna reflector will send the radar's "footprint" to Earth, then receive a return signal with data on the carbon content of forests. ESA will use the data Biomass collects to understand more about the current state of our forests and how they are changing. Biomass is a part of ESA's "Earth Explorers" satellite series. "These missions, developed through our FutureEO research and development programme, are designed to demonstrate cutting-edge space technologies and deliver exceptional insights about our planet," Cheli said.
