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ESA\u2019s state-of-the-art\u00a0Biomass\u00a0satellite has launched aboard a\u00a0Vega-C\u00a0rocket from Europe\u2019s Spaceport in French Guiana. The rocket lifted off on 29 April 2025 at 11:15 CEST (06:15 local time).<\/p>\n
In orbit, this latest\u00a0Earth Explorer\u00a0mission will provide vital insights into the health and dynamics of the world\u2019s forests, revealing how they are changing over time and, critically, enhancing our understanding of their role in the global carbon cycle. It is the first satellite to carry a fully polarimetric P-band synthetic aperture radar for interferometric imaging. Thanks to the long wavelength of P-band, around 70 cm, the radar signal can slice through the whole forest layer to measure the \u2018biomass\u2019, meaning the woody trunks, branches and stems, which is where trees store most of their carbon.<\/p>\n
Vega-C is the evolution of the Vega family of rockets and delivers increased performance, greater payload volume and improved competitiveness.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n