A first-of-its-kind satellite due to launch on Tuesday will be able to see through clouds and leafy canopies to assess how they are protecting the planet from climate change. The Biomass satellite, from the European Space Agency, will "weigh" the Earth's forests, revealing how much planet-warming carbon is being stored within trees and therefore kept out of the atmosphere. Until now the amount of carbon stored by the 1.5 trillion trees in the planet's rainforests has been impossible to calculate. Led by British company Airbus, the project hopes to help scientists more accurately model climate change and track rates of deforestation. The satellite is due to be launchedat 10:15 BST from ESA's Kourou station in French Guiana. It has been affectionately named "space brolly" for its giant 12m diameter antenna which expands outwards. The antenna will use radar with a very long wavelength - allowing it to see deeper inside forests and reveal branches and trunks obscured by the canopy. "Most radars that we have in space today take wonderful images of icebergs, but when they look at forests they see the tops of the forest, the little twigs, the little leaves, they don't penetrate down into the forests," explained Dr Ralph Cordey, head of geosciences at Airbus. "But what we found was that by using a much longer radar wavelength, we could see down into the depths of trees and forests," he said. The 1.2-tonne satellite will use an approach not dissimilar to that used in a CT scan, and analyse slices through the trees on repeat passes to build up a picture of how much woody material is present. It is this material that can be used as a proxy for the amount of planet-warming carbon dioxide stored. Currently scientists have been measuring individual trees and trying to extrapolate, but this presents a "huge challenge" said Prof Mat Disney, professor of remote sensing, at University College London. "Our current understanding is really patchy, because it's really, really difficult to measure," he said. "Essentially, what we're talking about is trying to weigh the amount of carbon that's stored in one and a half trillion trees across the tropics. "Satellites are really the only way you can do that consistently." On the ground measurements will continue to take place after the satellite is launched to verify the data it is sending back. Despite years of testing, the launch will not be straightforward. "Certain things on the satellite are big, that includes its big 12-metre, deployable antenna. It's a bit like deploying an umbrella in space, only a very big one, so we will be looking for that to happen smoothly," said Dr Cordey. Airbus brought in engineers from the American company L3Harris Technologies to their site in Stevenage to oversee the construction of the antenna-reflector. L3Harris are specialists in these large, unfurlable systems - expertise which is not currently possessed in Europe. If the launch is successful, the team is hoping to produce the first maps within six months, and will then continue to gather data for the next five years. These annual maps will not only show how much carbon is stored but how much is being lost through deforestation. "The kind of observations that we've had for 50 years from [other] satellites like Landsat are affected very heavily by clouds. And in tropical regions, we have clouds a lot of the time, so you may not see a chunk of tropical forest," said Prof Disney. Another advantage of the longer wavelength of the Biomass satellite is that it can penetrate clouds giving a consistent, comparable view of a forest from one year to the next. It is this outcome which has motivated the scientists who have worked on the project for more than 20 years. "It's exciting, because it's going to tell us about how something that we perhaps take for granted," said Dr Cordey. "Our forests, our trees, how they are contributing to the processes which govern our planet, and in particular, the processes behind climate change which are so important to us today and for the future." Sign up for our Future Earth newsletterto get exclusive insight on the latest climate and environment news from the BBC's Climate Editor Justin Rowlatt, delivered to your inbox every week. Outside the UK?Sign up to our international newsletter here.
New satellite will see through clouds to 'weigh' Earth's forests
TruthLens AI Suggested Headline:
"European Space Agency to Launch Biomass Satellite for Forest Carbon Measurement"
Bbc News
8.8
TruthLens AI Summary
The European Space Agency is set to launch a groundbreaking satellite named Biomass, which will be capable of seeing through clouds and foliage to evaluate the Earth's forests and their role in mitigating climate change. Scheduled for launch on Tuesday from ESA's Kourou station in French Guiana, the satellite aims to accurately measure the carbon stored in the planet's forests, which are comprised of approximately 1.5 trillion trees. This measurement has been challenging to determine until now, as traditional methods have relied on extrapolating data from individual trees, resulting in a fragmented understanding of forest carbon storage. The Biomass satellite, engineered by British company Airbus, is equipped with a 12-meter diameter deployable antenna that utilizes long-wavelength radar technology, allowing it to penetrate deep into forest canopies and reveal the structural components of trees that are typically hidden from view.
The innovative design of the Biomass satellite mimics the functionality of a CT scan, generating detailed slices of tree structures during multiple passes over the same area. This capability is expected to yield comprehensive maps of forest carbon storage within six months of the satellite's launch, with ongoing data collection planned for the subsequent five years. These annual maps will provide vital insights into both the amount of carbon stored in forests and the rates of carbon loss due to deforestation. The satellite's ability to operate effectively in cloudy tropical regions makes it a significant advancement over existing satellite technology, which often struggles to capture clear images in such conditions. The scientists involved in this project, who have dedicated over two decades to its development, are optimistic that the data collected will deepen our understanding of the critical role forests play in regulating the Earth's climate and inform future conservation efforts.
TruthLens AI Analysis
The article presents significant advancements in satellite technology aimed at addressing climate change through better forest monitoring. It highlights the launch of the Biomass satellite, which is designed to penetrate cloud cover and dense foliage to provide accurate assessments of carbon storage in forests. This technology is crucial for understanding the role of forests in mitigating climate change and tracking deforestation.
Purpose of the Publication
The intention behind this report appears to be to inform the public about innovative measures being taken to combat climate change. By showcasing the capabilities of the Biomass satellite, the article emphasizes the importance of technological advancements in environmental science. The aim is likely to foster support for scientific initiatives and to raise awareness about the need for accurate data to address climate issues effectively.
Public Perception
The article seeks to create an impression of optimism regarding the fight against climate change. By focusing on a groundbreaking technology that can provide valuable insights into forest carbon storage, it aims to instill a sense of hope and encourage public engagement in environmental issues.
Potential Omissions
While the article effectively highlights the satellite's capabilities, it may downplay the ongoing challenges and limitations faced in climate science, such as political and economic barriers to implementing conservation measures. This selective emphasis could lead to a skewed perception of the overall situation regarding climate action.
Reliability of Information
The information presented appears to be credible, as it references reputable sources such as the European Space Agency and experts from the field. The technological details about the satellite's design and function further enhance the reliability of the report.
Public Sentiment Targeted
The article is likely to resonate with environmentally conscious communities, scientists, and policymakers who are invested in climate action. It appeals to those advocating for sustainable practices and the preservation of natural resources.
Economic and Political Implications
The advancements in monitoring technology could influence policies related to environmental protection and carbon management. The data provided by the Biomass satellite could lead to more informed decision-making regarding deforestation and climate change mitigation strategies.
Connection to Broader Issues
This news piece ties into the larger context of global climate initiatives, showcasing how technology can play a role in addressing environmental challenges. It could also relate to current discussions around sustainability and climate justice.
Impact on Markets
The launch of the Biomass satellite may have implications for companies involved in environmental monitoring and satellite technology. Investors in these sectors might see this as a positive development, potentially affecting stock prices related to aerospace and environmental technology firms.
Geopolitical Context
From a geopolitical perspective, advancements in climate monitoring technology can shift power dynamics by enabling better tracking of environmental policies and compliance among nations. This aligns with the global agenda on climate change and can influence international relations.
AI Involvement in Writing
It is possible that AI tools were used in the drafting or editing process of the article, particularly in structuring complex information. However, specific sections that may indicate AI involvement are not distinctly identifiable; the overall flow and language suggest a human touch.
Manipulative Elements
There are no overt manipulative tactics in the article, but the positive framing of technological advancements may lead to an oversimplified view of the complexities surrounding climate change. The language is largely neutral and informative, without targeting specific groups negatively.
The article effectively presents an innovative solution to a pressing global issue, providing a balance of optimism and scientific insight. Overall, it is a reliable source of information regarding the Biomass satellite and its implications for climate change.