On 29th April 2025, the European Space Agency will launch one of the most ambitious Earth observation missions of our time. The Biomass satellite, ESA's seventh Earth Explorer mission, promises to revolutionise how we understand and protect our planet's forests, and it couldn't come at a more critical moment.

Peering Into the Heart of Our Forests

Imagine having X-ray vision for the entire planet's forests. That's what the Biomass mission will provide. Using cutting-edge radar technology, this remarkable satellite will peer through forest canopies like never before, mapping forest biomass with unprecedented precision and measuring exactly how much carbon our woodlands store.

This isn't just another Earth observation mission; it's a game-changer. For the first time, we'll have the comprehensive data needed to understand the true impact of forests on the carbon cycle and climate change. Every tree, every woodland, and every forest ecosystem will be mapped and measured from space, creating a global carbon inventory of extraordinary detail.

The Science Behind the Vision

The Biomass satellite employs sophisticated P-band synthetic aperture radar technology that can penetrate forest canopies and reach the ground below. Unlike optical satellites that only see the forest's surface, Biomass will measure the three-dimensional structure of forests, calculating the volume and mass of trees with remarkable accuracy.

This technological marvel will provide scientists with crucial data about:

• Global forest biomass distribution

• Carbon storage capacity across different forest types

• Deforestation and forest degradation rates

• Forest recovery and regrowth patterns

• The role of forests in mitigating climate change

Supporting the Biosphere Restoration Vision

The timing of this mission aligns perfectly with the growing recognition that restoring our planet's natural systems is humanity's greatest challenge and opportunity. Bru Pearce, founder of Envisionation, has long championed the Biosphere Restoration Plan, understanding that healthy ecosystems are fundamental to our planet's resilience and our own survival.

The Biomass mission will provide the scientific foundation needed to implement restoration strategies at scale. By precisely mapping where forests are thriving, where they're under threat, and where restoration efforts would have the greatest impact, this satellite will become an invaluable tool for conservationists and restoration practitioners worldwide.

Data-Driven Restoration

The comprehensive forest mapping capabilities of Biomass will transform how we approach biosphere restoration. Rather than working with incomplete information or rough estimates, restoration projects will be guided by precise, real-time data about forest health, carbon storage potential, and ecosystem dynamics.

This scientific rigour is exactly what's needed to move from small-scale conservation efforts to the landscape-level restoration that our climate crisis demands. The satellite's data will help identify priority areas for restoration, monitor the success of ongoing projects, and ensure that limited conservation resources are deployed where they can have maximum impact.

A Global Perspective on Local Action

One of the most powerful aspects of the Biomass mission is its connection to local restoration efforts and global climate action. Every hectare of forest restored, every woodland protected, and every tree planted becomes part of a global carbon accounting system that helps humanity track progress toward climate stability.

The mission will reveal the true extent of forests' contribution to climate regulation, providing the evidence base needed to secure greater investment in nature-based climate solutions. This could be transformative for funding restoration projects and recognising the economic value of healthy ecosystems.

Beyond Carbon: Understanding Forest Ecosystems

While carbon storage is the primary focus, the Biomass mission will also enhance our understanding of forest ecosystems more broadly. The detailed structural information it provides will enhance our understanding of biodiversity patterns, wildlife habitats, and the intricate relationships between forest health and broader ecosystem services.

This holistic understanding is crucial for the kind of comprehensive biosphere restoration that recognises forests not just as carbon stores but as complex living systems that support countless species and provide essential services to human communities.

The Road Ahead

As we await the launch of this groundbreaking mission, it's worth reflecting on what it represents. The Biomass satellite embodies humanity's growing commitment to understanding and protecting our planet's natural systems. It's a powerful example of how cutting-edge technology can serve the cause of environmental restoration and climate action.

The data flowing from this mission will inform restoration strategies for decades to come, supporting the vision of practitioners like Bru Pearce, who understand that healing our planet's biosphere isn't just an environmental imperative; it's the foundation of our future prosperity and wellbeing.

In the months and years following its launch, Biomass will transform our relationship with forests from one of imperfect knowledge to precise understanding. This transformation in knowledge will, in turn, enable a transformation in action, moving from ad hoc conservation efforts to strategic, data-driven restoration that can operate at the scale our climate challenge demands.

The forest has always been humanity's greatest ally in the fight against climate change. Now, thanks to the Biomass mission, we'll finally have the tools to be worthy allies in return.

The ESA Biomass mission represents a pivotal moment in our understanding of Earth's forests and their role in climate regulation. By providing unprecedented data on forest carbon storage and ecosystem health, it will support evidence-based restoration efforts worldwide, aligning perfectly with comprehensive biosphere restoration strategies.

Learn how to get involved with the Biosphere Restoration Projects