In autumn 2026, the European Space Agency (ESA) will launch a special mission: FLEX, the “Fluorescence Explorer Satellite”. This satellite is intended to measure from space for the first time how sick or healthy our plants on Earth are – and with unprecedented precision. Global photosynthesis activity will be determined by measuring a natural physical phenomenon called solar-induced (chlorophyll) fluorescence, abbreviated “SIF”.
The FLEX Mission addresses some of the most pressing questions of our time, as important measures for greater food security, better nature conservation and more sustainable forestry and agriculture can be derived from its vegetation data. This sustainable and efficient use of biological resources is also one of the central goals of the bioeconomy.