European Space Agency’s (ESA) Biomass satellite launched successfully on April 29, 2025. This marks a significant step forward in global efforts to monitor Earth’s forests and better understand their role in the carbon cycle. Gofore’s subsidiary Huld contributed to the mission by performing the independent software verification and validation (ISVV).
The Biomass mission is designed to provide insights into the health and dynamics of Earth’s forests, revealing how they are changing over time. It also enhances our understanding of their role in the global carbon cycle.
Ensuring software reliability in space
Under contract with Airbus UK and approved by ESA, Huld was entrusted with ensuring the reliability and safety of the Biomass satellite’s on-board software. Our responsibility covered key systems across three major software modules:
- Central Software (CSW)
- Instrument Software
- Payload Data Handling Unit (PDHU) Software
Huld’s ISVV team focused on early error detection, rigorous edge case testing, and compliance with Software Criticality Level B requirements – essential for ensuring robust satellite operation in the challenging environment of space.
From March 2019 to February 2022, a dedicated team of 15 Huld experts contributed to every stage of the software lifecycle. This included thorough reviews of requirement specifications, design documents, source code, and testing procedures – all within a demanding project timeline.
“The success of this complex undertaking was underpinned by excellent collaboration and transparent communication with Airbus UK. This strong partnership ensured alignment at every stage, leading to the delivery of a software product ready to meet the rigorous demands of space missions.” – Violeta Tudose, Project Manager, Huld.
“We are thrilled to have contributed to such a vital mission and look forward to continuing our work in enhancing the safety and reliability of satellite software.” – Dubravka Ilic, Director – Space, Huld.
Read more on ESA’s website.
Picture © ESA/ATG medialab