Enormous Satellite Launched to Scan Trillions of Organisms in Rainforests from Space

The European Space Agency has deployed a unique satellite capable of scanning over a trillion complex organisms in the rainforests worldwide. The successful launch in April was highlighted in June by the Environmental Defense Fund's Vital Signs newsletter. The Biomass satellite, known as Space Brolly, is equipped with a large antenna and is expected to help scientists accurately measure the carbon stored by more than 1.5 trillion trees in rainforests. A recent study estimates that the Amazon rainforest alone holds around 123 billion tons of carbon, but deforestation poses a threat to this vital ecosystem and others that play a crucial role in climate regulation.

The satellite, weighing 1.3 tons, functions like a CT scan, providing researchers with valuable insights into the health of rainforests. This data can aid in developing solutions to combat the adverse impacts of climate change, such as food insecurity and extreme weather events. The project signifies the potential of environmentally focused technologies as long-term investments in creating a sustainable future.

Ralph Cordey, head of geosciences at Airbus, emphasized the significance of the satellite's cloud-penetrating capabilities in revolutionizing rainforest protection and biodiversity conservation. The satellite's launch marks a milestone in understanding the contributions of forests and trees to global processes, particularly those related to climate change.

According to the source: The Cool Down.