Giant radar ‘umbrella’ launches into space on mission to transform climate science

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April 29, 2025, 9:22 AM

• •The Biomass satellite, launched by the ESA, uses a P-band radar to create 3D maps of global biomass.
• •The satellite's radar antenna, developed by L3 Harris, will take nine days to unfold in orbit.
• •Built by Airbus, it's the first P-band radar ever launched into space.
• •The mission aims to capture detailed measurements of forest carbon, potentially revolutionizing climate science.

The European Space Agency (ESA) launched the Biomass satellite, equipped with a unique P-band radar system, into orbit. This satellite, with its specialized antenna, is designed to scan forests like an MRI, creating detailed 3D maps of global biomass. This advanced technology, developed by Airbus and L3 Harris, is expected to provide unprecedented measurements of forest carbon. The mission has the potential to significantly impact climate science by offering a more comprehensive understanding of forest structures.

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