Satellite launches with mission to 'weigh' the world's forests
Briefly

The European Space Agency has launched the Biomass satellite, equipped with a 40-foot antenna, to map global forests. This mission aims to understand forest density and how climate change impacts carbon storage, which is vital for combating climate change. The satellite will complete multiple orbits daily for five years, gathering crucial data below the forest canopies. Lead scientist Shaun Quegan highlights the innovative radar technology that penetrates forest layers to measure carbon, marking a significant advancement in ecological monitoring.
"It will effectively weigh forests and how much wood is in forests," Shaun Quegan, the mission's lead scientist, said, emphasizing the satellite's ability to assess carbon levels.
"We waited and waited. It was like hearing the first cry of the baby," Quegan expressed, reflecting his emotional reaction to the successful launch.
Read at The Washington Post
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