ESA title

The mission

Using novel technology, the Fluorescence Explorer (FLEX) will yield information about the health of the world’s plants. The information gathered will be used to improve our understanding of how carbon moves between plants and the atmosphere and how photosynthesis affects the carbon and water cycles.

The launch

Date: September 2026
Site: Kourou, French Guiana
Rocket: Vega-C

FLEX
FLEX and Sentinel-3 head to launch site
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FLEX and Sentinel-3C arrive at Europe’s Spaceport

16/07/2026 656 views 23 likes
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FLEX, Sentinel-3C and MTG-I2 on show at TAS cleanrooms
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Three ESA-built satellites on show in France

16/04/2026 3873 views 59 likes
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FLEX
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Ride into space on Vega-C secured for FLEX and Altius

11/01/2022 5059 views 94 likes
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FLEX
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Thales Alenia Space leads the build of photosynthesis missi…

18/01/2019 4984 views 70 likes
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FLEX concept
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Deal signed for FLEX’s fluorescence finder

07/11/2016 8720 views 67 likes
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Mutant strip
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FLEX takes on mutants

25/08/2016 6606 views 87 likes
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FLEX concept
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New satellite to measure plant health

19/11/2015 20095 views 128 likes
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Understanding Earth
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Reports on Earth Explorer candidates CarbonSat and FLEX now…

30/06/2015 9509 views 33 likes
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Vegetation under stress
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Plant power from above

03/02/2015 9870 views 95 likes
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Fluorescence in laboratory
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Glowing plants a sign of health

12/02/2014 12240 views 88 likes
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ESA calls for Earth Explorer-8 Mission Advisory Group membe…

15/02/2011 2020 views 1 likes
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Understanding planet Earth
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Two new Earth observation missions chosen for further study

26/11/2010 6026 views 14 likes
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Candidate Earth Explorers
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Candidate Earth Explorer Assessment Reports now available

28/11/2008 2558 views 1 likes
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Measuring light reaction
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Joint campaign prepares for Sentinel-2 and FLEX

23/07/2007 1975 views 1 likes
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Workshop focuses on Candidate Explorer FLEX mission

21/02/2007 2370 views 3 likes
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