Developed by British scholars and engineers, the 3D satellite monitoring system is set up to be the first in the world to measure the state of Earth’s forests from space.
3D satellites can help us understand how tropical forests are changing, thus protecting future generations from climate collapse and accelerating the transition to net zero.
From conception to construction, biomass satellites were built in the UK and opened up new opportunities to attract future support from global investors, leveraging industrial and academic expertise in space technology.
The landmark launch will begin on April 29th.
Boost the UK’s space workforce
Under construction, the satellite monitoring system supports approximately 250 highly skilled jobs in Airbus UK, where it is manufactured, supporting the local economy and strengthening the UK’s 52,000 strong space labor force.
The biomass satellite will be launched from a European space plant in Kourou, Guiana, France. Since 2016, the UK has won nearly 91 million euros in biomass contracts through its membership in the European Space Agency.
Invented by Sean Kegan, an academic professor at the University of Sheffield, it is a hallmark of British innovation, driving work in everything from design and development to assembly, integration and testing.
The biomass satellite creates a 3D map of the tropical forest after 17 months, and creates a new (non-3D) map every nine months for the remaining missions of the five years. This provides hidden insights from human vision, as these environments are difficult to access.
Space Minister Chris Bryant said:
“Major contributions to Europe’s mission providing important global outcomes are evidence of the UK’s industrial and academic expertise in space technology and will attract global investment in a vibrant space ecosystem.”
We are monitoring the Earth’s forests more closely than ever before
Innovative technologies in biomass satellites can help scientists acquire important data on changes in forest carbon as ecosystems are increasingly affected by deforestation effects.
Deforestation that releases carbon dioxide and forest growth that absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere are important parts of climate change.
Data on biomass in tropical forests is very limited due to their difficult access.
Satellite monitoring systems penetrate cloud covers and allow for more accurate measurements of forest biomass.
Providing better data will help to generate a better understanding of global carbon budgets and carbon sinks and sources, helping to develop and implement effective strategies to achieve net zero goals.
Observations also lead to better insight into the rate of habitat loss, and thus, this affects the biodiversity of forest environments.
The future of satellite surveillance and its impact on climate change
“Biomass satellites represent a major leap in their ability to understand the Earth’s carbon cycle,” commented Dr. Paul Beit, CEO of the British Space Agency.
“By mapping global forests from unprecedented details from space, we provide important insights into how our planets respond to climate change and help scientists, policymakers and conservationists take informed action.”
Kata Escott, managing director of UK Airbus Defense and Space, added:
“With over 50 companies involved in 20 countries, the Stevenage team demonstrates extraordinary leadership in delivering this flagship ESA mission.”
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