FLuorescence EXplorer (FLEX): an optimised payload to map vegetation photosynthesis from space
- Paper number
IAC-06-B1.3.04
- Author
Dr. Jose Moreno, University of Valencia, Spain
- Year
2006
- Abstract
The FLuorescence EXplorer (FLEX) mission proposes to launch a satellite for the global monitoring of steady-state chlorophyll fluorescence in terrestrial vegetation. Fluorescence is a powerful non-invasive tool to track the status, resilience, and recovery of photochemical processes and moreover provides important information on overall photosynthetic performance with implications for related carbon sequestration. The early responsiveness of fluorescence to atmospheric, soil and plant water balance, as well as to atmospheric chemistry and human intervention in land usage makes it an obvious biological indicator in improving our understanding of Earth system dynamics. The amenability of fluorescence to remote, even space-based observation qualifies it to join the emerging suite of space-based technologies for Earth observation. FLEX would encompass a three-instrument array for measurement of the interrelated features of fluorescence, hyperspectral reflectance, and canopy temperature. The instrument concept being considered for a mission dedicated to map canopy photosynthetic activity at global scale is derived from a number of studies performed by industry in the last few years. A baseline set of instruments would consist of a core Fraunhofer and Atmospheric Lines Imaging Spectrometer (FALIS) instrument, measuring individual line parameters between 480 nm and 760 nm. This main fluorescence instrument is conceived as a modular system, to allow optimisation of each individual module for each associated fluorescence band. Two secondary, dual-view angle instruments, complete the payload, consisting of a Multi-Angle Vegetation Imaging Spectrometer (MAVIS), with spectral coverage from 400 to 2400 nm for additional reflectance information, and a Surface TIR Spectrometer (STIRS), operating in the thermal infrared and using micro-bolometer technology, with three channels in the 8.8 to 12 um spectral range. The recent developments in the context of the airborne simulator AirFLEX, and the use of MERIS data (in standard mode and in spectral calibration campaign mode) have clearly demonstrated the feasibility of space measurements of canopy fluorescence. Moreover, recent model developments and data processing tools have made possible to guarantee the capability to retrieve the needed information from fluorescence measurements and the proper use of such information in monitoring vegetation photosynthesis at global scales. The FLEX mission fits perfectly into the main research objectives of ESA and related international programmes, with impact on global carbon cycle studies and vegetation photosynthesis, water resources research and anthropogenic impacts associated to land-use changes and varying spatial patterns of vegetation species. All these research objectives are of high relevance for the research programme of the European Commission, the World Climate Research Programme and the International Geosphere-Biosphere Programme.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-B1.3.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-B1.3.04.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.