ESA Prepares Dual Launch of FLEX and Sentinel-3C From Kourou on 15 September

FLEX, formally the Fluorescence Explorer, is designed to detect a very faint glow emitted by plants during photosynthesis, a signal known as fluorescence that is invisible to the human eye. Using its FLORIS instrument, the mission will map this fluorescence across the planet, offering scientists a way to track plant health and photosynthetic activity globally. ESA says the data will help improve understanding of how vegetation reacts to a changing climate, including drought, and will contribute to knowledge of the global carbon and water cycles.

The Munich-based stellarator startup agreed deals with Fujikura and Kyoto Fusioneering during Chancellor Merz's visit to Japan, targeting superconducting tape, plasma heating and fuel cycle technologies.