ESA Observing the Earth

Watch live: Earth Explorer 11 User Consultation Meeting

On 9 July 2025, leading scientists and experts in Earth observation will gather in Prague, Czechia, for a pivotal moment in Earth science – to delve into and debate the strengths of the two finalist candidate satellite missions, CAIRT and WIVERN, as they compete to be selected as ESA’s eleventh Earth Explorer.

Earth from Space: Zanzibar, Tanzania

Antarctic waters getting saltier as sea ice wanes

Using data from ESA’s SMOS satellite, scientists have revealed a surprising shift in the Southern Ocean – surface waters around Antarctica are growing saltier, even as sea ice is diminishing rapidly. This finding defies the norm because melting ice typically freshens ocean surface water.

The implications are far-reaching as changes in this remote region can disrupt global ocean currents, affect climate patterns, and alter ecosystems far beyond the Antarctic.

MTG-S1 and Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission highlights

Two meteorological missions – Meteosat Third Generation Sounder-1 (MTG-S1) and the Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission – have launched on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral in Florida, US.

Both are world-class Earth observation missions developed with European partners to address scientific and societal challenges.  

The MTG-S1 satellite will generate a completely new type of data product, especially suited to nowcasting severe weather events, with three-dimensional views of the atmosphere. It is the second in the MTG constellation to be prepared for orbit and is equipped with the first European operational Infrared Sounder instrument.

Copernicus Sentinel-4 will be the first mission to monitor European air quality from geostationary orbit, providing hourly information that will transform how we predict air pollution across Europe, using its ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared light (UVN) spectrometer.

MTG-S1 and Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission highlights

Two meteorological missions – Meteosat Third Generation Sounder-1 (MTG-S1) and the Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission – have launched on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral in Florida, US.

Both are world-class Earth observation missions developed with European partners to address scientific and societal challenges.  

The MTG-S1 satellite will generate a completely new type of data product, especially suited to nowcasting severe weather events, with three-dimensional views of the atmosphere. It is the second in the MTG constellation to be prepared for orbit and is equipped with the first European operational Infrared Sounder instrument.

Copernicus Sentinel-4 will be the first mission to monitor European air quality from geostationary orbit, providing hourly information that will transform how we predict air pollution across Europe, using its ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared light (UVN) spectrometer.

MTG-S1 and Sentinel-4 launch to change how we see our atmosphere

The second of the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellites and the first instrument for the Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission lifted off at 23:04 CEST on Tuesday, 1 July. The satellite is now on its way to monitor Earth’s atmosphere from an altitude of 36 000 km. From this geostationary orbit, the missions can provide game-changing data for forecasting severe storms and air pollution over Europe.

MTG-S1 and Sentinel-4 launch to change how we see our atmosphere

The second of the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellites and the first instrument for the Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission lifted off at 23:04 CEST on Tuesday, 1 July. The satellite is now on its way to monitor Earth’s atmosphere from an altitude of 36 000 km. From this geostationary orbit, the missions can provide game-changing data for forecasting severe storms and air pollution over Europe.

MTG-S1 and Copernicus Sentinel-4 launch from Florida

Two meteorological missions – Meteosat Third Generation Sounder-1 (MTG-S1) and the Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission – have launched on board a SpaceX Falcon 9 from Cape Canaveral in Florida, US.

Both are world-class Earth observation missions developed with European partners to address scientific and societal challenges.  

The MTG-S1 satellite will generate a completely new type of data product, especially suited to nowcasting severe weather events, with three-dimensional views of the atmosphere. It is the second in the MTG constellation to be prepared for orbit and is equipped with the first European operational Infrared Sounder instrument.

Copernicus Sentinel-4 will be the first mission to monitor European air quality from geostationary orbit, providing hourly information that will transform how we predict air pollution across Europe, using its ultraviolet, visible, near-infrared light (UVN) spectrometer.

Southern Europe’s land and sea sizzles

Southern Europe’s land and sea sizzles

MTG-S1 satellite hosting the Sentinel-4 instrument is ready for liftoff

The Meteosat Third Generation Sounder (MTG-S1) satellite, which is hosting the instrument for the Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission, has been placed inside the nose cone of the Falcon 9 launch rocket and is ready for the scheduled liftoff at 23:03 CEST on Tuesday, 1 July.

Revisit Living Planet Symposium: watch session replays

Revisit Living Planet Symposium 2025

Watch session replays

Living Planet Symposium highlights in pictures

ESA Living Planet Symposium concludes today, having brought together more than 6500 people across the Earth observation community. The takeaways include new connections, collaborations, not to mention the revelation of pioneering mission images. As a picture is worth a thousand words, here’s a selection that captures just a few of the many highlights.

Living Planet Symposium Extra News: Day 5

ESA’s Living Planet Symposium came to a close today, concluding a week of networking, discussions and meeting of curious, scientific minds.   

Today, one of the focal points was thermal imaging instruments, which are critical for monitoring land-surface temperature – and will be carried on upcoming missions such as the upcoming Copernicus Land Surface Temperature Mission. ESA’s Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity (SMOS) mission celebrated passing its 15-year milestone in orbit – the mission has helped improve weather and climate models. Three new contracts were signed for ESA’s InCubed programme, which is central to the agency’s efforts to turn promising concepts into successful Earth observation services, strengthening Europe’s position in this rapidly evolving sector. 

Swarm in tune with atmospheric hot flushes

Scientists are harnessing data from ESA’s Swarm mission and ground-based instruments to precisely measure the strength and duration of intense upper-atmosphere heating – dramatic ‘hot flushes’ triggered by solar storms that also cause Earth’s tenuous outer atmospheric layers to expand rapidly.

This research, funded by ESA's Earth Observation FutureEO Science for Society initiative, offers crucial insights into how geomagnetic activity affects satellite orbits and space weather conditions.

Living Planet Symposium Extra News: Day 4

The fourth day of ESA’s Living Planet Symposium was busier than ever.  

Today, ESA signed an agreement on integrating satellite data into global environmental reporting frameworks as part of ESA’s Fundamental Data Records Framework. A contract with the Finnish government and the Finnish Meteorological Institute was signed to establish a calibration and validation ‘supersite’. ESA and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures paved the way to integrating satellite data into environmental reporting frameworks. And the New Space Scout missions were also in the spotlight as ESA signed a contract with ISISPACE to development of the Tango mission. Four new Scout mission concepts were also announced. 

New ESA gravity mission to detect weakening ocean conveyor

At the Living Planet Symposium, attendees have been hearing how ESA’s Next Generation Gravity Mission could provide the first opportunity to directly track a vital ocean circulation system that warms our planet – but is now weakening, risking a possible collapse with far-reaching consequences.

Watch MTG-S1 and Sentinel-4 launch live

The second of the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellites and the first instrument for the Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission are ready for liftoff at Cape Canaveral in Florida, US. Live coverage of this launch will be shown on ESA WebTV, not earlier than Tuesday, 1 July.

Watch MTG-S1 and Sentinel-4 launch live

The second of the Meteosat Third Generation (MTG) satellites and the first instrument for the Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission are ready for liftoff at Cape Canaveral in Florida, US. Live coverage of this launch will be shown on ESA WebTV, on Tuesday, 1 July.

Satellite records expose fire driving Gran Chaco transformation

At ESA’s Living Planet Symposium, scientists have unveiled how the combination of different long-term, high-resolution satellite datasets from ESA’s Climate Change Initiative is shedding new light on the South American Gran Chaco – one of the world’s most endangered dry forest ecosystems. These data reveal, in remarkable clarity, that fire is the primary driver of widespread, accelerating deforestation across the region. 

Satellite records expose fire driving Gran Chaco transformation

At ESA’s Living Planet Symposium, scientist have unveiled how the combination of different long-term, high-resolution satellite datasets from ESA’s Climate Change Initiative is shedding new light on the South American Gran Chaco – one of the world’s most endangered dry forest ecosystems. These data reveal, in remarkable clarity, that fire is the primary driver of widespread, accelerating deforestation across the region. 

Living Planet Symposium Extras News: Day 3

ESA’s week-long Living Planet Symposium in Austria is over halfway through, gathering thousands of attendees to explore the latest breakthroughs in Earth science and space technologies. In addition to in-depth coverage on specific themes from the symposium, we also bring you the following 'extras’: six New Space companies formally join Copernicus, ESA and UN-Habitat strengthen ties, and ESA and JAXA sign a Framework Agreement on climate collaboration.  

Living Planet Symposium Extras News: Day 3

ESA’s week-long Living Planet Symposium in Austria is over halfway through, gathering thousands of attendees to explore the latest breakthroughs in Earth science and space technologies. In addition to in-depth coverage on specific themes from the symposium, we also bring you the following 'extras’: six New Space companies formally join Copernicus, ESA and UN-Habitat strengthen ties, and ESA and JAXA sign a Framework Agreement on climate collaboration.  

Satellite data streamlines global development finance

ESA is leading efforts to embed Earth observation data into more effective and resilient development financing. It is doing so in partnership with international financial institutions through its Global Development Assistance (GDA) programme. This topic was discussed today at ESA’s Living Planet Symposium.

High-resolution mapping reveals ocean carbon sink detail

As atmospheric carbon dioxide levels continue to rise, the ocean plays a crucial role in helping to reduce the full impact of human-driven climate change by absorbing roughly a quarter of the carbon dioxide emitted by human activity. However, this uptake is far from uniform across the global ocean. A new satellite-based product can now map the ocean carbon sink at unprecedented resolution, offering unique insights into this highly variable and complex component of Earth’s climate system. 

First sea-level records for coastal community protection

While satellites have revolutionised our ability to measure sea level with remarkable precision, their data becomes less reliable near coasts – where accurate information is most urgently needed. To address this critical gap, ESA’s Climate Change Initiative Sea Level Project research team has reprocessed almost two decades of satellite data to establish a pioneering network of ‘virtual’ coastal stations. These stations now provide, for the first time, reliable and consistent sea-level measurements along coastlines. 

Living Planet Symposium Extra News: Day 2

ESA’s week-long Living Planet Symposium is in full swing in Vienna, Austria, drawing scientists and researchers from around the world. This flagship event focuses on the latest breakthroughs in Earth science and highlights the advanced space technologies used to observe and understand our changing planet. Throughout the week, we’ll be covering the bigger stories in depth, but we’re also sharing some daily snapshots of other significant happenings. 

The major highlight of today was the signing of a landmark agreement between ESA and the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. 

North Atlantic’s volcanic secrets – it’s about being thin

Iceland is one of the most active volcanic regions in the world, but its seismic nature is part of a much broader geological history.

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists, supported by an ESA-funded project, have uncovered the underlying forces that forged the North Atlantic’s fiery volcanic past – shedding light on the vast geological region that spans from Greenland to western Europe, which is home to iconic natural wonders like the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. 

North Atlantic’s volcanic secrets – it’s all about being thin

Iceland is one of the most active volcanic regions in the world, but its seismic nature is part of a much broader geological history.

In a groundbreaking discovery, scientists, supported by an ESA-funded project, have uncovered the underlying forces that forged the North Atlantic’s fiery volcanic past – shedding light on the vast geological region that spans from Greenland to western Europe, which is home to iconic natural wonders like the Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. 

Sea ice lows high on the agenda

Satellite observations reveal that the extent of sea ice in the Arctic is once again hovering near record lows for this time of year – underscoring a troubling and persistent trend. This issue is a key topic at ESA’s Living Planet Symposium in Vienna, where scientists are emphasising the critical role that ESA’s Climate Change Initiative Sea Ice Project and CryoSat mission have had in helping to underpin these findings.

Looking ahead, the ability to monitor polar sea ice is in safe hands, as the development of the new CRISTAL mission is progressing well and the first satellite will be ready for launch in the second half of 2027.

Italy's IRIDE programme marks major step with first satellite constellation

Seven satellites have been launched for the Italian Earth observation mission, IRIDE. The satellites form part of the Hawk for Earth Observation (HEO) constellation, which carries multispectral optical instruments.

Living Planet Symposium Extras: Day 1

ESA’s week-long Living Planet Symposium kicked off today in Vienna, Austria, bringing together scientists and researchers from around the globe. Throughout the week, we’ll be covering the bigger stories in depth, such as the first images from ESA’s Biomass mission published earlier today – but we’re also sharing some daily snapshots of other significant happenings.

So, today’s few ‘extras’ include Sentinel-2 marking 10 years in orbit, ESA selects Telespazio to run the ground segment for the TRUTHS mission and listen to EarthCARE data transformed into a dragon’s song for peace.

Living Planet Symposium Extra News: Day 1

ESA’s week-long Living Planet Symposium kicked off today in Vienna, Austria, bringing together scientists and researchers from around the globe. Throughout the week, we’ll be covering the bigger stories in depth, such as the first images from ESA’s Biomass mission published earlier today – but we’re also sharing some daily snapshots of other significant happenings.

So, today’s few ‘extras’ include Sentinel-2 marking 10 years in orbit, ESA selects Telespazio to run the ground segment for the TRUTHS mission and listen to EarthCARE data transformed into a dragon’s song for peace.

Living Planet Symposium opens in Vienna

ESA’s Living Planet Symposium, one of the world’s leading Earth observation conferences, opened today in Vienna.

Propellant loading completed for MTG-S1 and Sentinel-4

Biomass satellite returns striking first images of forests and more

Today, at the Living Planet Symposium, ESA revealed the first stunning images from its groundbreaking Biomass satellite mission – marking a major leap forward in our ability to understand how Earth’s forests are changing and exactly how they contribute to the global carbon cycle. But these inaugural glimpses go beyond forests. Remarkably, the satellite is already showing potential to unlock new insights into some of Earth’s most extreme environments.

Earth from Space: Vienna’s Danube divide

First MetOp-SG and Sentinel-5 arrive at launch site

Europe will soon be taking another leap forward in its weather forecasting capacity as the first MetOp Second Generation, MetOp-SG-A1, satellite arrives safely at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana, marking a pivotal moment on the road to launch.

This new polar-orbiting weather satellite also carries the Copernicus Sentinel-5 instrument to deliver daily global data on air pollutants and other atmospheric trace gases.

Watch live: Living Planet Symposium 2025

One of the biggest Earth observation conferences in the world will take place next week in Vienna. You can watch streamed plenary discussions and presentations each day on ESA Web TV.

Watch live: Living Planet Symposium 2025

One of the biggest Earth observation conferences in the world will take place next week in Vienna. You can watch streamed plenary discussions and presentations each day on ESA Web TV.

Media invitation: Register for MTG-S1 and Copernicus Sentinel-4 pre-launch briefings

Media invitation: MTG-S1 and Sentinel-4 pre-launch briefings

Earth from Space: East Kalimantan, Borneo

Earth from Space: Saharan dust plume

Why MTG-S1 is a nowcasting game-changer

The Meteosat Third Generation Sounder satellite (MTG-S) will generate a completely new type of data product, especially suited to nowcasting severe weather events. Here are five ways in which Europe’s latest weather satellite will change how we forecast weather.

Why MTG-S1 is a nowcasting game-changer

The Meteosat Third Generation Sounder satellite (MTG-S) will generate a completely new type of data product, especially suited to nowcasting severe weather events. Here are five ways in which Europe’s latest weather satellite will change how we forecast weather.

Tall ship brings ESA ocean science training to Nice

After an extraordinary six-week voyage from northern Norway, the iconic Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl has docked in Nice, France, concluding ESA’s 2025 Advanced Ocean Training course. Braving everything from wild storms to calm near-freezing seas, students aboard mastered techniques for collecting ocean measurements and harnessed satellite data to unlock insights into our blue planet.

Led by experts, this real-world expedition offered more than education – it sparked curiosity and a deeper commitment to understanding and protecting our oceans.

A breath of fresh data: Sentinel-4’s innovations for clean air

From its vantage point outside Earth’s atmosphere, more than 36 000 km above Earth’s surface, the Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission will detect major air pollutants over Europe in unprecedented detail. It will observe how they vary on an hourly basis – a real breakthrough for air quality forecasting.

A breath of fresh data: Sentinel-4 innovates for clean air

From its vantage point outside Earth’s atmosphere, more than 36 000 km above Earth’s surface, the Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission will detect major air pollutants over Europe in unprecedented detail. It will observe how they vary on an hourly basis – a real breakthrough for air quality forecasting.

Mount Etna erupts

Earth from Space: Cloud-free Iceland

5 things we learned in EarthCARE’s impressive first year

Five things we learned in EarthCARE’s impressive first year

5 things we learned in EarthCARE’s impressive first year

5 things we learned in EarthCARE’s impressive first year

MTG-S and Sentinel-4 undergo pre-launch manoeuvres

MTG-S and Sentinel-4 undergo pre-launch manoeuvres

ESA and UN harness space data for sustainable development

ESA and UN harness space data for sustainable development

Media invitation: register for Living Planet Symposium 2025

Media invitation: register for Living Planet Symposium 2025

Media invitation: register for Living Planet Symposium 2025

Media invitation: register for Living Planet Symposium 2025

Earth from Space: Alakol, the multicoloured lake

Media invitation: embark a tall ship for a dive into ocean science

On the morning of 4 June 2025, ESA offers media representatives the exclusive opportunity to step aboard the iconic Norwegian tall ship Statsraad Lehmkuhl, docked at Quai Amiral Infernet in Nice, France. This remarkable vessel arrives following ESA’s six-week Advanced Ocean Training Course, a transformative journey from Tromsø, Norway, where emerging researchers have been immersed in the world of ocean science.

Earth from Space: Svalbard Archipelago

Biomass completes a relay race of a LEOP

Mission control at ESA’s European Space Operations Centre has completed the critical Launch and Early Orbit Phase (LEOP) for ESA’s Biomass, after nine days of intense work.

Earth from Space: Northwest Sardinia, Italy

Antarctic glacier caught stealing ice from neighbour

Thanks largely to Copernicus Sentinel-1, scientists have discovered that a glacier in Antarctica is rapidly siphoning ice from neighbouring flows – at a pace never before seen. Until now, researchers believed that this process of ‘ice piracy’ in Antarctica took hundreds or even thousands of years, but these latest findings clearly demonstrate that this isn’t always the case.

Antarctic glacier caught stealing ice from neighbour

Thanks largely to Copernicus Sentinel-1, scientists have discovered that a glacier in Antarctica is rapidly siphoning ice from neighbouring flows – at a pace never before seen. Until now, researchers believed that this process of ‘ice piracy’ in Antarctica took hundreds or even thousands of years, but these latest findings clearly demonstrate that this isn’t always the case.

MTG-S1 and Sentinel-4 take a step closer to space

Fresh from the cleanroom in Bremen, Germany, the second of the Meteosat Third Generation satellites and the first instrument for the Copernicus Sentinel-4 mission have arrived at Cape Canaveral harbour, in the US.

Forest satellite’s big antenna opens up

Just a week after its launch, ESA’s Biomass mission has reached another critical milestone on its path to delivering unprecedented insights into the world’s forests and their vital role in Earth’s carbon cycle – the satellite’s 12-metre-diameter antenna is now fully deployed.

ESA unveils longest-ever dataset on forest biomass

As the new Biomass satellite settles into life in orbit following its launch on 29 April, ESA has released its most extensive satellite-based maps of above-ground forest carbon to date. Spanning nearly two decades, the dataset offers the clearest global picture yet of how forest carbon stocks have changed over time.

Developed through ESA’s Climate Change Initiative, this new long-term record integrates data from multiple satellite missions – and will soon be further enhanced by data from the Biomass mission itself.

Earth from Space: World’s biggest iceberg

Biomass launch highlights

ESA’s state-of-the-art Biomass satellite launched aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The rocket lifted off on 29 April 2025 at 11:15 CEST (06:15 local time).

In orbit, this latest Earth Explorer mission will provide vital insights into the health and dynamics of the world’s forests, revealing how they are changing over time and, critically, enhancing our understanding of their role in the global carbon cycle. It is the first satellite to carry a fully polarimetric P-band synthetic aperture radar for interferometric imaging. Thanks to the long wavelength of P-band, around 70 cm, the radar signal can slice through the whole forest layer to measure the ‘biomass’, meaning the woody trunks, branches and stems, which is where trees store most of their carbon.

Vega-C is the evolution of the Vega family of rockets and delivers increased performance, greater payload volume and improved competitiveness.

Access the related broadcast quality video material.

Biomass launched to count forest carbon

ESA’s groundbreaking Biomass satellite, designed to provide unprecedented insights into the world’s forests and their crucial role in Earth’s carbon cycle, has been launched. The satellite lifted off aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, on 29 April at 11:15 CEST (06:15 local time).

Launch of ESA’s Biomass mission from Kourou

ESA’s state-of-the-art Biomass satellite launched aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The rocket lifted off on 29 April 2025 at 11:15 CEST (06:15 local time).

In orbit, this latest Earth Explorer mission will provide vital insights into the health and dynamics of the world’s forests, revealing how they are changing over time and, critically, enhancing our understanding of their role in the global carbon cycle. It is the first satellite to carry a fully polarimetric P-band synthetic aperture radar for interferometric imaging. Thanks to the long wavelength of P-band, around 70 cm, the radar signal can slice through the whole forest layer to measure the ‘biomass’, meaning the woody trunks, branches and stems, which is where trees store most of their carbon.

Vega-C is the evolution of the Vega family of rockets and delivers increased performance, greater payload volume and improved competitiveness.

Launch of ESA’s Biomass mission from Kourou

ESA’s state-of-the-art Biomass satellite launched aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The rocket lifted off on 29 April 2025 at 11:15 CEST (06:15 local time).

In orbit, this latest Earth Explorer mission will provide vital insights into the health and dynamics of the world’s forests, revealing how they are changing over time and, critically, enhancing our understanding of their role in the global carbon cycle. It is the first satellite to carry a fully polarimetric P-band synthetic aperture radar for interferometric imaging. Thanks to the long wavelength of P-band, around 70 cm, the radar signal can slice through the whole forest layer to measure the ‘biomass’, meaning the woody trunks, branches and stems, which is where trees store most of their carbon.

Vega-C is the evolution of the Vega family of rockets and delivers increased performance, greater payload volume and improved competitiveness.

Replay: Biomass launch coverage

ESA’s state-of-the-art Biomass satellite launched aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. The rocket lifted off on 29 April 2025 at 11:15 CEST (06:15 local time).

In orbit, this latest Earth Explorer mission will provide vital insights into the health and dynamics of the world’s forests, revealing how they are changing over time and, critically, enhancing our understanding of their role in the global carbon cycle. It is the first satellite to carry a fully polarimetric P-band synthetic aperture radar for interferometric imaging. Thanks to the long wavelength of P-band, around 70 cm, the radar signal can slice through the whole forest layer to measure the ‘biomass’, meaning the woody trunks, branches and stems, which is where trees store most of their carbon.

Vega-C is the evolution of the Vega family of rockets and delivers increased performance, greater payload volume and improved competitiveness.

Access the related broadcast quality video material.

ESA’s Biomass mission launches on Vega-C

ESA’s state-of-the-art Biomass satellite has launched aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The rocket lifted off on 29 April 2025 at 11:15 CEST (06:15 local time).

In orbit, this latest Earth Explorer mission will provide vital insights into the health and dynamics of the world’s forests, revealing how they are changing over time and, critically, enhancing our understanding of their role in the global carbon cycle. It is the first satellite to carry a fully polarimetric P-band synthetic aperture radar for interferometric imaging. Thanks to the long wavelength of P-band, around 70 cm, the radar signal can slice through the whole forest layer to measure the ‘biomass’, meaning the woody trunks, branches and stems, which is where trees store most of their carbon.

Vega-C is the evolution of the Vega family of rockets and delivers increased performance, greater payload volume and improved competitiveness.

ESA’s Biomass mission launches on Vega-C

ESA’s state-of-the-art Biomass satellite has launched aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana. The rocket lifted off on 29 April 2025 at 11:15 CEST (06:15 local time).

In orbit, this latest Earth Explorer mission will provide vital insights into the health and dynamics of the world’s forests, revealing how they are changing over time and, critically, enhancing our understanding of their role in the global carbon cycle. It is the first satellite to carry a fully polarimetric P-band synthetic aperture radar for interferometric imaging. Thanks to the long wavelength of P-band, around 70 cm, the radar signal can slice through the whole forest layer to measure the ‘biomass’, meaning the woody trunks, branches and stems, which is where trees store most of their carbon.

Vega-C is the evolution of the Vega family of rockets and delivers increased performance, greater payload volume and improved competitiveness.

Access the related broadcast quality video material.

Biomass poised for liftoff to unveil forest secrets

After years of careful design and preparation, ESA’s Earth Explorer Biomass satellite is set for launch tomorrow, 29 April at 11:15 CEST, aboard a Vega-C rocket from Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana.

This groundbreaking mission will offer unprecedented insights into the state and evolution of the world’s forests. By mapping the woody material in Earth’s forests, this revolutionary satellite will play a crucial role in deepening our understanding of how forests influence the global carbon cycle.

Earth from Space: French Guiana

A new space age for forests – but groundwork still matters

A new era of forest monitoring is quite literally taking off, ushering in what scientists are calling the ‘forest space age’. On April 29, ESA will launch its revolutionary Biomass mission, the first satellite to carry a P-band radar into space – technology that is set to transform how we understand forests and the carbon they store. Along with other space agencies’ instruments already in orbit or soon to be launched, there has never been so many ‘eyes in the sky’ focused on forests.

Yet, the work of people on the ground –often in the most remote and challenging forest regions – also remains essential.

Watch Biomass launch live

ESA's Biomass mission is on the launch pad at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana. Don’t miss the live coverage of liftoff on Tuesday 29 April, on ESA WebTV. Coverage will start at 10:55 CEST with commentary live from Kourou and ESA’s European Space Operations Centre in Germany. The Vega-C rocket carrying Biomass is scheduled for liftoff at 11:15.

Sentinel-1 captures ground shift from Myanmar earthquake

On 28 March 2025, a powerful magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck central Myanmar, sending shockwaves through the region. While the country is still dealing with the devasting aftermath, scientists have used radar images from the Copernicus Sentinel-1 satellites to reveal a detailed picture of how the ground shifted as a result of the quake – offering new insights into the mechanics of the tectonic Sagaing Fault and the scale of the seismic rupture.

Final preparations for Biomass operations

As the launch of the Biomass satellite approaches, the excitement is palpable at ESA’s European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany. Over the winter months, a dedicated team has been meticulously preparing for the satellite's critical "Launch and Early Orbit" phase (LEOP).

Final preparations for Biomass operations

As the launch of the Biomass satellite approaches, the excitement is palpable at ESA’s European Space Operations Centre (ESOC) in Darmstadt, Germany. Over the winter months, a dedicated team has been meticulously preparing for the satellite's critical "Launch and Early Orbit" phase (LEOP).

Lifting the canopy on Earth’s forests

ESA’s state-of-the-art Biomass  mission has been designed to shed new light on the health and dynamics of the world’s forests, revealing how they are changing over time and, critically, enhancing our understanding of their role in the global carbon cycle. It is the first satellite to carry a fully polarimetric P-band synthetic aperture radar for interferometric imaging. Thanks to the long wavelength of P-band, around 70 cm, the radar signal can slice through the forest canopy and whole forest layer to measure the ‘biomass’, meaning the woody trunks, branches and stems, which is where trees store most of their carbon.

Next generation scientists set sail to harness space for oceans

A new wave of ocean scientists has embarked on an extraordinary six-week voyage aboard a majestic tall ship that set sail today from Norway bound for southern France. But this is no ordinary journey.

Thanks to this ESA Advanced Ocean Training Course, these upcoming researchers will be taking a deep dive into ocean science, empowering them with skills to harness satellite data for research, innovation and sustainable development – and preparing them to become tomorrow’s leaders and ambassadors for ocean science.

Next-generation scientists set sail to harness space for oceans

A new wave of ocean scientists has embarked on an extraordinary six-week voyage aboard a majestic tall ship that set sail today from Norway bound for southern France. But this is no ordinary journey.

Thanks to this ESA Advanced Ocean Training Course, these upcoming researchers will be taking a deep dive into ocean science, empowering them with skills to harness satellite data for research, innovation and sustainable development – and preparing them to become tomorrow’s leaders and ambassadors for ocean science.

Biomass on the launch pad

Biomass ready for liftoff

ESA and IBM collaborate on TerraMind

The first version of TerraMind, a powerful next-generation AI model designed to help us better understand and protect our planet, was released today.

Biomass mission kit

Biomass mission kit

Explore ESA's forest mission

Earth from Space: Giza, Egypt

Sea surface warming faster than expected

Satellite observations show that sea-surface temperatures over the past four decades have been getting warmer at an accelerated pace.

Register now for ESA’s Living Planet Symposium in Vienna

Registrations are now open for the European Space Agency’s Living Planet Symposium (LPS) – one of the largest Earth observation conferences in the world. The event will take place on 23–27 June 2025 in Vienna, Austria.

Forest mission sealed within rocket fairing for liftoff

With the launch of ESA’s Biomass satellite scheduled for 29 April, preparations at Europe’s Spaceport in Kourou, French Guiana, have reached a key milestone. The satellite has now been sealed inside the protective fairing of the Vega-C rocket – now hidden from view, the satellite is almost ready for its journey into space.

Meet Biomass

Meet Biomass – ESA’s next Earth Explorer mission to launch. Carrying the first P-band synthetic aperture radar in space, this new mission is set to deliver crucial information about the state of our forests and how they are changing, and to further our knowledge of the role forests play in the carbon cycle.

Protecting ocean biodiversity with satellite data

An ESA-funded study that used satellite data to define biodiversity zones and shipping lanes in the Atlantic Ocean suggests it is possible to protect 30% of ocean habitats, with little impact on fishing and shipping.

Media advisory: Earth Explorer Biomass satellite launch media events

Media advisory

Earth Explorer Biomass satellite launch media events

Earth from Space: Great Barrier Reef, Australia

This Copernicus Sentinel-2 image shows part of one of the world’s natural wonders – the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea off the east coast of Queensland, Australia.

Zoom in to explore this image at its full resolution or click on the circles to learn more. 

The Great Barrier Reef extends for nearly 2300 km and covers an area of more than 344 000 sq km, approximately the size of Italy. It is the largest living organism on Earth and the only living thing the naked eye can see from space.

Despite its name, the Great Barrier Reef is not a single reef, but an interlinked system of about 3000 reefs and 900 coral islands, divided by narrow passages. An area of biodiversity equal in importance to tropical rainforests, the reef hosts more than 1500 species of tropical fish, 400 types of coral, hundreds of species of bird and seaweed and thousands of marine animals, including sharks, barracuda and turtles.

In recognition of its significance the reef was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981.

The section of reef seen here is the southern part off the coast of the Shire of Livingstone in Central Queensland. Part of the mainland and the islands surrounding the coast are visible in the bottom left corner. The tan-coloured sea along the coasts is due to sediment in the water.

A chain of small coral islands can be seen scattered across the centre of the image. The blue hues of the coral contrast with the dark waters of the Coral Sea.

Part of the reef is covered by clouds dominating the upper part of the image. The clouds form a surprisingly straight line, also visible as a distinct shadow cast over the islands below.

Coral reefs worldwide suffer regular damage due to climate change, pollution, ocean acidification and fishing. Furthermore, they are increasingly under threat from coral bleaching, which occurs when the algae that makes up the coral die, causing it to turn white. This phenomenon is associated with increased water temperatures, low salinity and high sunlight levels.

While these coral reefs are ecologically important, they are difficult to map from survey vessels or aircraft because of their remote and shallow location. From their vantage point in space, Earth-observing satellites such as Copernicus Sentinel-2, offer the means to monitor the health of reefs across the globe.

Earth from Space: Great Barrier Reef, Australia

Biomass fully loaded

Marking a major milestone in the preparation of ESA’s Biomass satellite for its scheduled 29 April liftoff, experts have completed the critical and hazardous process of fuelling the satellite.

Weather, climate and air quality missions on display

The first of the new generation of MetOp satellites, MetOp-SG Satellite-A, together with the instrument for the Copernicus Sentinel-5 mission, are now ready to be shipped to their launch site. But before the last leg of their terrestrial journey, they were on display to the media at Airbus’s facilities in Toulouse, France.

Earth from Space: The shrinking Aral Sea

Earth Observation Excellence Award 2025 winners

In recognition of outstanding contributions to scientific advancement and innovation using Earth observation data, the ESA Earth Observation Excellence Award is presented annually to early-career researchers.

Earth Observation Excellence Award 2025 winners

In recognition of outstanding contributions to scientific advancement and innovation using Earth observation data, the ESA Earth Observation Excellence Award is presented annually to early-career researchers.

How hidden lakes threaten Antarctic Ice Sheet stability

For decades, satellites have played a crucial role in our understanding of the remote polar regions. The ongoing loss of Antarctic ice, owing to the climate crisis, is, sadly, no longer surprising. However, satellites do more than just track the accelerating flow of glaciers towards the ocean and measure ice thickness.

New research highlights how ESA’s CryoSat mission has been used to uncover the hidden impact of subglacial lakes – vast reservoirs of water buried deep under the ice – that can suddenly drain into the ocean in dramatic outbursts and affect ice loss.

Mandalay rupture

Biomass cleared for fuelling

ESA’s Arctic Weather Satellite hailed as excellent

Launched just seven months ago, ESA’s Arctic Weather Satellite has been proving how the New Space approach can accelerate the development of missions capable of delivering detailed temperature and humidity profiles for short-term weather forecasts.

Moreover, the impact of this tiny prototype satellite goes even further – its measuring instrument has been recognised as able to provide data that’s on a par with traditional large missions.

IRIDE first image presented at ESA–ESRIN

The first image from a new Italian Earth observation satellite mission was published today: a high-resolution image of a strip of the Italian peninsular showing the city of Rome at a resolution of 2.66 metres. This is three times higher than the resolution currently available for systematic acquisition over Italy.

Earth from Space: Waza National Park, Cameroon

Media invitation: meet the new MetOp Second Generation and Sentinel-5 missions

Media invitation

Meet the new MetOp Second Generation and Sentinel-5 missions

Earth from Space: Land of giants

Biomass out of the box

Earth from Space: Halong Bay, Vietnam

Three MetOp-SG-B weather siblings

Biomass

Biomass

ESA's forest mission

ESA’s pioneering Biomass satellite arrives at launch site

Marking another step towards new insights into Earth’s forests and their role in the carbon cycle, ESA’s groundbreaking Biomass satellite has arrived at Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, to be prepared for liftoff on a Vega-C rocket at the end of April.

Earth from Space: Tirana, Albania

Nord Stream methane leak far bigger than estimated

The methane emitted in 2022 by the damaged Nord Stream gas pipelines was more than double the volume estimated at the time, according to a study published in Nature.

Call for interest: Biomass launch media event at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana

Call for interest

Biomass launch media event at Europe’s Spaceport in French Guiana

Earth from Space: Maha Kumbh Mela festival, India