The Biomass mission — ESA'S P-band polarimetric, interferomtric SAR mission

Earth Explorers are the backbone of the science and research element of ESA's Living Planet Programme, providing an important contribution to the understanding of the Earth system. Following a User Consultation Meeting on 5-6 March 2013, the Earth Science Advisory Committee (ESAC) has recommended implementing Biomass as the 7th Earth Explorer Mission within the frame of the ESA Earth Observation Envelope Programme. This paper will give an overview of the overarching mission requirements, the satellite system and its payload status at the end of Phase-B.