Giant ‘space umbrella’ will orbit Earth but it won’t stop the rain – here’s why

The European Space Agency launched the ‘space brolly’ satellite to orbit today, designed to automatically open in space. This Biomass satellite will utilize radar to measure forest biomass, providing crucial insights into carbon storage and the health of rainforests, rather than serving any geoengineering purpose. Its 12-meter-wide mesh reflector, developed by over 50 companies including Airbus UK, aims to improve understanding of forests’ role in the carbon cycle, which is vital for addressing climate change.