A Vega C rocket successfully launched ESA’s Biomass satellite on April 29, marking a key step in Europe’s space sovereignty efforts.

The 1,250-kg satellite, built by Airbus, will map global forest biomass using a powerful P-band radar to monitor carbon storage and environmental changes over a 5.5-year mission.

The launch, from French Guiana, was Vega C’s second since a 2022 failure and part of ESA’s push to regain independent access to space after relying on SpaceX, Space News has reported.

More Vega C and Ariane 6 launches are planned as Europe ramps up its launch capabilities.

Written by B.C. Begley