Radar satellites are revolutionizing how we monitor and understand Earth's landscapes, especially its vegetation. These high-tech marvels peer through clouds, map terrains in detail, and reveal structural dynamics invisible to traditional optical sensors. With new satellite missions like ESA’s Rose-L and Biomass P-band SAR on the horizon, the potential for vegetation monitoring is reaching unprecedented heights.
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Radar satellites use synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology to emit radio wave signals and measure the echoes reflected back from Earth's surface. Radar operates in the microwave portion of the electromagnetic spectrum, which means it can see through clouds, smoke, and even vegetation canopies in any weather, day or night.
This video from ESA highlights these powerful features:
Radar’s ability to measure structural properties of vegetation sets it apart. By analyzing the intensity and phase of radar signals, scientists can derive critical insights into:
The European Space Agency (ESA) is spearheading advancements in radar technology, both with open-access data and groundbreaking missions designed for environmental monitoring.
The ESA recently launched Sentinel-1C, the third iteration of the ongoing Sentinel-1 mission first launched in 2014. Extending the lifespan of the previous Sentinel-1B mission which was retired in 2022, Sentinel 1A and 1C will continue to supply C-Band radar in 12 day pass frequency allowing the most up to date SAR data for monitoring vegetation worldwide.
Check out Sentinel-1C's first radar satellite images here.
Set to launch as part of ESA's Copernicus program, ROSE-L will operate in the L-band frequency. Its longer wavelength allows it to penetrate dense forests, providing critical data on vegetation structure, soil moisture, and even agricultural monitoring. ROSE-L’s wide coverage and high-resolution imaging will complement existing radar missions like Sentinel-1, enhancing global vegetation mapping efforts.
ESA’s Biomass satellite is the first space-borne SAR mission operating at the P-band frequency. This ultra-long wavelength penetrates deeper into forests than any radar before it, reaching tree trunks and large branches. By providing unprecedented data on forest biomass and carbon stock, Biomass will significantly improve our understanding of carbon cycles and the role of forests in mitigating climate change.
Radar doesn’t work alone—it thrives in synergy with other datasets. For example, optical satellites like Sentinel-2 capture vegetation greenness and chlorophyll content, while LiDAR systems measure canopy height with laser precision. By integrating radar data with optical and LiDAR observations, we can unlock a full picture of vegetation dynamics, from ground level to treetops. This encompasses the foundation of Birdi's approach to vegetation monitoring with biomass monitoring tools within our platform.
The insights derived from radar satellites are already transforming how we manage and protect vegetation:
With the launch of the European Space Agencies 'ROSE-L and'BIOMASS' SAR sensors set for 2025, public and commercial access to L and P band radar is set to transform vegetation monitoring on a global scale. These technologies not only address the critical challenges of climate change and deforestation but also open new avenues for understanding the structural dynamics of Earth's green cover.
At Birdi, we’re excited to integrate radar data into our vegetation analysis workflows. By leveraging insights from radar, optical, and LiDAR datasets, we help our clients make informed decisions about land management, conservation, and sustainability.
Stay tuned as we continue exploring how these advancements reshape the way we monitor and protect our planet's vital ecosystems!
Now, enjoy some radar satellite images below, taken from the Sentinel-1:
