Latest news with #Vega-C
Euronews
28-05-2025
- Science
- Euronews
Behind the scenes on launch day for ESA's Biomass mission
In the early morning of April 29, people in Kourou, French Guiana, were woken up by the roar of the Vega-C rocket as it carried Biomass, the latest satellite from the European Space Agency (ESA), successfully into space. The Biomass mission not only represents a leap forward in the scientific understanding of tropical forests, but its launch also marked a major step toward securing Europe's independent access to space. Euronews Tech Talks was on site in Kourou for the launch, and with this second special episode on Biomass, we bring you behind the scenes of the launch preparations. The operations on the day of the launch of a satellite, also referred to as D-Day, are just the tip of the iceberg in a long process to get it into space. In the case of Biomass, the project started more than a decade ago and involved several professionals who dedicated their competencies to building the satellite, developing the rocket, and coordinating every step up to and after April 29. Launch preparations began as early as March 7, when Biomass arrived in French Guiana after a two-week voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arrival in Kourou, the satellite was transported to the spaceport, removed from its shipping container, and thoroughly inspected for any potential damage. Next, Biomass was fuelled and attached to the adapter that would connect it to the Vega-C rocket, enabling its journey into orbit. On April 14, Biomass was placed inside the fairing, the top part of the rocket, then transferred to the launch pad at the Tangara site. There, the fairing containing the satellite was placed on the Vega C launcher, followed by more checks and a practice run known as the dress rehearsal. With all checks completed, it was time for the first weather forecast, a crucial step in the process. "We need good weather conditions to authorise the launch," explained Jean Frédéric Alasa, launch range operations director at CNES, the French Space Agency. "The rain is not a major constraint, it's more about the wind. If the launcher were to explode, we want to make sure the debris falls far from the populated areas," he continued. Luckily, on April 29, the wind was very mild, and the satellite launch was authorised. Vega C lifted off at 6:15:52 AM local time in Kourou. This time was precisely calculated and had to be respected to bring the satellite into the correct orbit. "For all the SSO missions, there is no launch window, but just one time at which the satellite can be lifted off," Fabrizio Fabiani, head of the Vega programme at Arianespace, explained. "Each day could be a good day, but at the same instant". SSO stands for sun-synchronous orbit, a special type of orbit where the satellite maintains the same position relative to the Sun. Essentially, Biomass passes over the same location on Earth at the same time every day. This orbit is ideal for monitoring changes over time, which is why it is commonly used for several Earth observation satellites. Biomass's launch was successful and greeted with great excitement by those who worked on it for years. When the satellite and rocket fully separated, the team erupted into cheers, celebrating the mission's success. "I've indeed been working for 12 years on that mission and now, at the end of it, I would say the predominant sentiment is that I'm super grateful and humbled that I was allowed to do that job," Michael Fehringer, ESA's Biomass project manager, told Euronews. "I feel relieved... that's all we could ask for, that's the best result we could have," Justin Byrne, Airbus head of science and Mars programmes, shared with us. But while most celebrated, one team remained focused on the mission. Which team was it, and why? Listen to Euronews Tech Talks to find out the answer.
Euronews
28-05-2025
- Science
- Euronews
Behind the scenes of on launch day for ESA's Biomass mission
In the early morning of April 29, people in Kourou, French Guiana, were woken up by the roar of the Vega-C rocket as it carried Biomass, the latest satellite from the European Space Agency (ESA), successfully into space. The Biomass mission not only represents a leap forward in the scientific understanding of tropical forests, but its launch also marked a major step toward securing Europe's independent access to space. Euronews Tech Talks was on site in Kourou for the launch, and with this second special episode on Biomass, we bring you behind the scenes of the launch preparations. The operations on the day of the launch of a satellite, also referred to as D-Day, are just the tip of the iceberg in a long process to get it into space. In the case of Biomass, the project started more than a decade ago and involved several professionals who dedicated their competencies to building the satellite, developing the rocket, and coordinating every step up to and after April 29. Launch preparations began as early as March 7, when Biomass arrived in French Guiana after a two-week voyage across the Atlantic Ocean. Upon arrival in Kourou, the satellite was transported to the spaceport, removed from its shipping container, and thoroughly inspected for any potential damage. Next, Biomass was fuelled and attached to the adapter that would connect it to the Vega-C rocket, enabling its journey into orbit. On April 14, Biomass was placed inside the fairing, the top part of the rocket, then transferred to the launch pad at the Tangara site. There, the fairing containing the satellite was placed on the Vega C launcher, followed by more checks and a practice run known as the dress rehearsal. With all checks completed, it was time for the first weather forecast, a crucial step in the process. "We need good weather conditions to authorise the launch," explained Jean Frédéric Alasa, launch range operations director at CNES, the French Space Agency. "The rain is not a major constraint, it's more about the wind. If the launcher were to explode, we want to make sure the debris falls far from the populated areas," he continued. Luckily, on April 29, the wind was very mild, and the satellite launch was authorised. Vega C lifted off at 6:15:52 AM local time in Kourou. This time was precisely calculated and had to be respected to bring the satellite into the correct orbit. "For all the SSO missions, there is no launch window, but just one time at which the satellite can be lifted off," Fabrizio Fabiani, head of the Vega programme at Arianespace, explained. "Each day could be a good day, but at the same instant". SSO stands for sun-synchronous orbit, a special type of orbit where the satellite maintains the same position relative to the Sun. Essentially, Biomass passes over the same location on Earth at the same time every day. This orbit is ideal for monitoring changes over time, which is why it is commonly used for several Earth observation satellites. Biomass's launch was successful and greeted with great excitement by those who worked on it for years. When the satellite and rocket fully separated, the team erupted into cheers, celebrating the mission's success. "I've indeed been working for 12 years on that mission and now, at the end of it, I would say the predominant sentiment is that I'm super grateful and humbled that I was allowed to do that job," Michael Fehringer, ESA's Biomass project manager, told Euronews. "I feel relieved... that's all we could ask for, that's the best result we could have," Justin Byrne, Airbus head of science and Mars programmes, shared with us. But while most celebrated, one team remained focused on the mission. Which team was it, and why? Listen to Euronews Tech Talks to find out the answer. For anyone who thought the electric car boom was a bubble, you only need to look at recent EV sales to see that going electric is now well and truly a mainstream option. Nearly 3 million new electric cars were registered in Europe in 2024, according to EV Volumes. And with more brands branching out into the EV market in the works, consumers are becoming spoiled for choice when it comes to models. Here's our pick of the most eagerly awaited electric cars coming to Europe this year. Ford's top-selling compact crossover is now fully electric, joining the Explorer, Capri, and Mustang Mach-E in the Blue Oval's growing EV stable. As lively as ever, the Gen-E sprints from 0–100 km/h in 8 seconds, offers a practical 376 km range, and packs a cavernous 523-litre boot along with a 43-litre front boot into city-friendly dimensions. Inside, a 12.8-inch digital cluster, 12.0-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Alexa integration keep you connected on the move while 135 km of range in just 10 minutes makes charging easy. The Puma is back - now electric - and ready to repeat its success. What to know: Battery: ~50 kWh (43 kWh usable) | Range: 376 km (WLTP) Charge: 10–80 per cent in 23 mins | Space: 523L boot Price: ~€33,000 (est) | Date: On sale now (select markets) Rivals: Kia EV3, VW ID.3, Volvo EX30 Hyundai's new flagship SUV brings seating for up to seven with a 620 km range to the family EV segment. Built on the E-GMP platform with 800 V architecture, it charges from 10–80 per cent in just 24 minutes. The cabin focuses on calm and connectivity, with twin 12.3-inch displays, BOSE audio, swivel seating, and a panoramic roof. With three rows and a premium finish, the IONIQ 9 is built for long journeys and big families. What to know: Battery: 110.3 kWh | Range: Up to 620 km (WLTP) Charge: 10–80 per cent in 24 mins | Capacity: 620L boot Price: €73,000–€75,000 (est) | Date: On sale now in Korea; EU in summer 2025 Rivals: Kia EV9, Volvo EX90, Tesla Model X Kia's sleekest EV yet ditches SUV bulk for saloon-hatch elegance. Closely based on the EV3 there will be two battery options and up to 630 km range. It combines aerodynamic efficiency (Cd 0.23) with 150 kW performance and fast charging. Inside, a 30-inch display turns it into a rolling entertainment suite - complete with YouTube, Netflix, and even karaoke. Add in Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capability and a low-slung stance, and the EV4 could be the surprise star of 2025. What to know: Battery: 58.3 or 81.4 kWh | Range: Up to 630 km (WLTP) Charge: Fast charge in 31 mins | Capacity: Up to 490L Price: €40,000–€45,000 (est) | Date: EU launch 2025 Rivals: VW ID.3, Renault Mégane E-Tech, Tesla Model 3, BYD Seal With its 4.9-metre length and nearly 1.9-metre width, the new Mazda 6e will be one of the largest electric saloons on the European market - bigger than a Tesla Model 3 and edging out the Hyundai Ioniq 6 in both length and width. It's sized to rival premium models like the Mercedes EQE. Inside, Mazda is promising a premium cabin experience, complete with a panoramic roof and a 14.6-inch gesture-controlled central screen. Range figures are competitive too: 499 km for the Standard model and up to 555 km for the Long Range version. The first shipment is already en route from China, with left-hand-drive markets getting the car this summer. Drivers in the UK and Ireland will likely have to wait until early 2026 to see it in showrooms. What to know: Battery: 80 kWh or 68.8 kWh | Range: Up to 552 km (WLTP) Charge: 10–80 per cent in 22–45 mins | Capacity: TBA Price: ~€43,000 (est) | Date: Summer 2025 Rivals: Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 The electric CLA is Mercedes' most efficient car to date, with up to 792 km range and 800 V charging that adds 325 km in 10 minutes. The tech is equally cutting-edge: a floating MBUX Superscreen, an AI-enhanced assistant powered by Microsoft and Google, and recycled materials throughout. It's luxury redefined for the sustainable, software-driven era. What to know: Battery: 85 kWh | Range: Up to 792 km (WLTP) Charge: 325 km in 10 mins | Capacity: 395L boot Price: €52,000–€58,000 (est) | Date: Late 2025/early 2026 Rivals: BMW i4, Tesla Model 3, Polestar 2 Opel's newest EV is big on space and low on fuss. With up to 400 km range, clever interior packaging, and features like Intelli-Seats, roof load support, and a smartphone docking station, the Frontera is as practical as it is affordable. With a starting price under €30,000, this might just be Opel's most compelling EV to date - though any newcomer in the crowded small SUV segment will need to work hard to stand out among some seriously tough competition. What to know: Battery: 44 kWh (usable) | Range: Up to 400 km (WLTP) Charge: 10–80 per cent in 26 mins | Capacity: Up to 1,600L Price: From €28,990 | Date: Orders open now (Germany) Rivals: MG ZS EV, Jeep Avenger, Renault 4 E-Tech, Citroën e-C4 A retro reboot with real substance, the Renault 4 E-Tech is taller, tougher, and more practical than its sibling, the Renault 5. It offers a generous 420-litre boot, flat-folding rear seats, and a choice of two battery options: a punchy 52 kWh for longer trips or a lighter 40 kWh LFP ideal for city driving. Inside, the OpenR Link system with Google integration and Renault's voice-activated avatar, Reno, makes its tech feel seamless. French-built, family-friendly, and full of charm - this is a stylish all-rounder at a competitive price, with just enough personality to keep things fun. What to know: Battery: Up to 52 kWh | Range: Up to 400 km (WLTP) Charge: 15–80 per cent in ~35 mins | Capacity: 420L boot Price: ~€30,000 (est) | Date: Launching 2025 Rivals: Ford Puma Gen-E, Fiat 600e, Citroën ë-C3 Aircross Toyota joins the small electric SUV race with the Urban Cruiser EV - an urban-friendly crossover that blends everyday practicality with a hint of adventure. Expected to offer up to 402 km of range, it will launch with two battery options: a 49 kWh unit delivering around 299 km and a 61 kWh version. Front-wheel drive will be standard, but four-wheel drive will be an option in some markets. Inside, features like sliding rear seats, 12-colour ambient lighting, and a high-spec infotainment system add comfort and flair. If Toyota gets the pricing right, the Urban Cruiser could be a strong contender in the crowded compact EV segment. What to know: Battery: 49 kWh, 61 kWh | Range: Up to 400 km (est) Charge: Charging specs To be announced | Capacity: Boot space To be announced Price: ~€35,000 (est) | Date: EU rollout late summer 2025 Rivals: Jeep Avenger, Peugeot e-2008, Renault 4 E-Tech, MG ZS EV
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.
Economic Times
01-05-2025
- Science
- Economic Times
ESA's new biomass satellite could revolutionize how we study Earth's forests — Here's how it works
Synopsis The ESA launched Biomass aboard a Vega-C rocket earlier this week. The launch vehicle blasted off from Kourou in French Guiana. Biomass is expected to revolutionize humanity's understanding of Earth's forests and the impact that human activities have on them. The value that forests hold for the survival of our plant is well-known to everyone. They play one of the most crucial roles in the existence of humanity, and nearly all other life forms on Earth, by absorbing massive amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere and emitting oxygen in return. Forests cover nearly 31 per cent of the Earth's available land area. However, global forest covers are under a constant existential threat arising from human activities currently. Earlier this week, the European Space Agency (ESA) launched a satellite named Biomass, which is expected to advance humanity's understanding of how forests react to such adverse factors. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads As per estimates by NASA, forests across our planet absorb approximately 7.6 bn metric tons of carbon dioxide annually. However, the estimate may be far from reality as the actual figure changes rapidly due to the ever-growing levels of greenhouse gas emissions from industrial units. Moreover, studying the impact of adverse human activities, such as deforestation, is a major challenge due to natural hurdles like dense canopies. Want a Loan? Get cash against your Mutual Funds in 4 hours As such, it is a major challenge for scientists to accurately map out how forests respond to factors that are detrimental to their survival. However, that might change soon, thanks to the groundbreaking mission launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) on April 29. Biomass is a first-of-a-kind satellite that is equipped with an advanced technology called the P-band radar, which can penetrate the various natural obstacles that prevent effective remote monitoring of forests. Also Read : Tina Fey's The Four Seasons just dropped — Here's what viewers can't stop talking about The P-band radar is a technology that can penetrate forest layers and clouds. The signals emitted from the radar can bounce off forest elements. The mission is aimed at enhancing humanity's understanding of the role that forests play in the carbon cycle and climate, according to ESA. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads The returning signals reveal details about forest biomass and height. The resulting data is expected to give scientists a deeper insight into habitat loss and its impact on biodiversity. The mission also allows scientists to map the subsurface geology of deserts, forest floor topography, and ice sheet structures. To put it into simpler terms, Biomass has been developed to produce 3D maps of the Earth's forests. The satellite was launched aboard a Vega-C rocket, which blasted off from Kourou in French Guiana. Also Read : Weight loss drug Wegovy can help fight deadly liver disease MASH, claims new study 1 . When was Biomass launched? ESA's Biomass satellite was launched on April 29. 2 . Where was the satellite launched from? Biomass was launched onboard a Vega-C launch vehicle from Kourou in French Guiana. Disclaimer Statement: This content is authored by a 3rd party. The views expressed here are that of the respective authors/ entities and do not represent the views of Economic Times (ET). ET does not guarantee, vouch for or endorse any of its contents nor is responsible for them in any manner whatsoever. Please take all steps necessary to ascertain that any information and content provided is correct, updated, and verified. ET hereby disclaims any and all warranties, express or implied, relating to the report and any content therein.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
European Space Agency launched Biomass satellite to monitor forests and climatic studies
Source: ESA Earth's forests are pivotal to keeping our planet habitable. Freely referred to as the "lungs of the Earth," they blanket about one-third of the globe and have a significant function to play in modifying the weather. Forests also take in enormous quantities of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the air — approximately 7.6 billion metric tons each year, NASA says — and emit oxygen, which makes life on Earth viable. ESA launched Biomass satellite to study forest carbon estimation According to ESA, to meet this challenge Biomass satellite is deployed into orbit on 29 April 2025 Tuesday aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe's Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, at 11:15 CEST (06:15 local time). ESA's Biomass mission launches on Vega-C by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo The mission represents a giant leap in monitoring forests and climate studies. Biomass is the first satellite to be equipped with a P-band synthetic aperture radar — a technology that can penetrate deep into forest canopies and show detailed, three-dimensional structures of the trees beneath. Imagine it as an Earth-sized MRI machine. By taking the density and structure of tree trunks, branches, and stems, Biomass will enable scientists to estimate the amount of carbon in forests as well as how much is emitted. Biomass separates from Vega-C Why forest monitoring is becoming increasingly urgent Though essential, forests are being increasingly threatened by human action. Deforestation, land degradation, and even increasing fires are diminishing their capacity to sequester CO₂. Hence, forests in most places — particularly tropical forests — are starting to emit more carbon than they lock away, fueling global warming. Tracking how forests react to increasing levels of greenhouse gases and environmental stressors is tricky. Thick forest cover and dense vegetation hinder the measurement of forest health on the ground or even using conventional satellite imagery. Biomass satellite measuring forest carbon to track climate change "With Biomass, we are set to harvest critical new information about the amount of carbon held in forests around the globe, which will help to close important knowledge gaps regarding the carbon cycle and, in the end, Earth's climate system," explained Simonetta Cheli, ESA's Director of Earth Observation Programmes. This data is critical. Standing forests have a tendency to retain more carbon than they release. But because of extensive deforestation and forest loss, most forests — especially those in the Amazon and Southeast Asia — have reversed from being carbon sinks to becoming carbon sources. "This new mission will enhance our capability to measure forest carbon stocks and fluxes, which is at the heart of understanding and estimating the effects of climate change," said Michael Fehringer, ESA's Biomass Project Manager. Biomass satellite to track forest carbon The satellite was produced with the involvement of 50 partner companies, including project lead Airbus UK. In the days ahead, mission controllers will check that the satellite's systems are working as they should. Once operational, Biomass will start generating 3D maps of forest biomass and carbon distribution, enabling scientists to better understand the changing role of forests in the global carbon cycle. As climate change speeds up and forest health declines, accurate, real-time data is more important than ever. Biomass will enable scientists, policymakers, and conservationists to know where and how to intervene — whether it's safeguarding carbon-dense forests or quantifying the actual effect of deforestation. The mission won't halt climate change by itself, but it might be an essential component in the worldwide effort to slow its impact. Also Read | Where does gold really come from? NASA data reveals the shocking truth
