ESA Biomass Satellite Maps Global Forest Carbon Storage

The European Space Agency's Biomass satellite has completed its first year in orbit, using P-band synthetic aperture radar to penetrate forest canopies. This technology allows scientists to measure woody biomass, which is where the majority of forest carbon is stored, providing a more accurate map of the global carbon cycle. The mission is currently in its tomographic phase, producing 3D data of vegetation. It will soon transition to an interferometric phase, revisiting specific areas to monitor changes in forest height and carbon density over four years.