In a world-first, a satellite crafted entirely on British soil is poised to transform our understanding of the planet’s forests – by scanning them in 3D from space.
The revolutionary Biomass satellite, brainchild of Professor Shaun Quegan from the University of Sheffield, will launch on 29 April from Europe’s spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, and is set to become the first satellite in the world to measure the condition of Earth’s forests – from orbit.
From the drawing board to delivery, this flagship space mission is a shining symbol of British brilliance, having been conceived and constructed in the UK and supporting around 250 highly skilled jobs at Airbus UK in Stevenage, a vital contributor to Britain’s 52,000-strong space workforce.
Speaking ahead of the launch, Professor Quegan said:
“It’s been a privilege to have led the team in the development of a pioneering mission that will revolutionise our understanding of the volume of carbon held in the most impenetrable tropical rainforests on the planet and, crucially, how this is changing over time.”
“Conceived and built in the UK, Biomass is a brilliant example of what we can achieve in collaboration with our partners in industry and academia.”
Armed with cutting-edge radar technology, Biomass will peer through clouds and foliage to unveil what lies beneath the lush canopies of the world’s tropical forests. Over its five-year mission, it will create a 3D map of the forests in just 17 months, then refresh with new maps every nine months – offering unprecedented insight into the rise and fall of carbon storage across the globe.
It’s a game-changer for tackling climate change, offering scientists an eye in the sky that can accurately track deforestation and forest growth, both of which are key factors in Earth’s carbon balance. Where current technologies can only see the tops of trees, Biomass goes deeper – quite literally – offering the most precise data yet on the planet’s “carbon sinks and sources”.
Dr Paul Bate, Chief Executive of the UK Space Agency, hailed the mission as a monumental leap forward:
“The Biomass satellite represents a major leap forward in our ability to understand Earth’s carbon cycle… helping scientists, policymakers, and conservationists take informed action. We’re proud of the leading role the UK has played in this important mission.”
The UK’s contribution has already been impressive, with British companies netting €91 million in contracts since 2016 through our membership of the European Space Agency (ESA).
Managed by Airbus Defence and Space, the project united over 50 companies across 20 countries – but it’s the Stevenage team that’s leading the charge. Kata Escott, Managing Director of Airbus UK, praised the project’s scope and vision:
“Biomass is a groundbreaking mission that will advance our understanding of how carbon is stored in the world’s forests – delivering crucial data in the fight against climate change. The team in Stevenage has shown exceptional leadership in delivering this flagship ESA mission.”
Beyond climate data, Biomass will also shed light on biodiversity loss and habitat destruction – offering vital intelligence for conservation efforts that will protect precious ecosystems for generations to come.
And with the UK’s space sector now worth a staggering £18.9 billion, missions like this are expected to spark fresh global investment, fuelling economic growth and ensuring Britain remains at the cutting edge of space innovation.
It’s not just a satellite – it’s a statement: Britain is leading the way in saving our planet, one forest at a time.
