A major milestone in European Earth observation has been reached: ESA’s Biomass satellite, launched on April 29th, has successfully deployed its pioneering 12-meter radar antenna in orbit. This critical achievement was visually confirmed by the satellite’s onboard monitoring camera system, powered by wide-angle optics designed by the Belgian innovation company Lambda-X Verhaert High-Tech, marking the beginning of a new chapter in global forest monitoring and climate science.
A technological first for Europe’s climate strategy
Biomass is the first satellite ever to carry a P-band synthetic aperture radar (SAR), a powerful sensor technology capable of penetrating clouds and dense forest canopies. This enables unprecedented mapping of global forest biomass and carbon stocks, crucial for understanding how carbon is stored and how it changes over time in Earth’s ecosystems. The mission represents a leap forward in Europe’s contribution to climate science and environmental monitoring.
Belgian optics behind the first images from orbit
The successful deployment of Biomass’ 12-meter reflector, essential for enabling the radar’s function, was confirmed through images captured by a critical onboard camera system. This system relies on wide-angle optics designed and assembled by Lambda-X Verhaert High-Tech, whose precision engineering allowed ESA to verify the deployment visually. Without this optical confirmation, the mission could not move confidently into its commissioning phase.
Engineered for space, built to perform
Lambda-X Verhaert High-Tech was selected in 2019 to supply the camera optics for Biomass. After passing ESA’s Critical Design Review, the team delivered both qualification and flight models in 2020. The components met rigorous space-grade requirements: delivering clarity, compactness, and durability to withstand the demands of launch and orbital operations. The optics are now fulfilling their mission: enabling ESA’s engineers to verify the antenna’s status before full-scale data collection begins.
Lambda-X Verhaert High-Tech is incredibly proud to see our technology supporting ESA’s groundbreaking Biomass mission. Delivering proven, space-qualified optics for such an ambitious satellite reflects the strength of our team and our commitment to advancing Earth observation missions.” Olivier Dupont, Business Unit Director.
Climate intelligence from above
Biomass will provide long-term, high-resolution data on the structure and density of forests worldwide, from tropical rainforests to boreal woodlands. This data will help track how forests store carbon, how they change over time, and how deforestation or degradation impacts our climate. The insights will improve climate models and offer critical evidence to inform policy-making, environmental conservation, and global climate agreements.
With the antenna now deployed, Biomass enters its commissioning phase, during which all instruments (including the radar system) will be calibrated ahead of full scientific operations.
A trusted partner in space optics
This milestone reinforces Lambda-X Verhaert High-Tech as a reliable partner for advanced optical solutions in space. With a strong heritage in mission-critical components, the company supports scientific, commercial, and institutional missions across the globe. From Earth observation and space exploration to life sciences, Lambda-X Verhaert High-Tech delivers end-to-end optical systems that enable breakthrough applications in complex environments.
Nivelles, May 27th
About Lambda-X Verhaert High-Tech
Founded in 1996, Lambda-X Verhaert High-Tech designs and manufactures advanced optical instruments and payloads for high-stakes environments, from space to life sciences. With deep expertise in optics, precision engineering, and system integration, the company supports the full innovation journey — from custom design and prototyping to cleanroom assembly and series production. Lambda-X Verhaert High-Tech is part of the Verhaert Masters in Innovation group, Europe’s leading innovation service provider with over 300 experts in 7 innovation centers across 3 countries.
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