FLEX: fluorescence explorer
conference paper
FLEX is a scientifically driven space mission to provide demonstration/validation of the instrumentation and technique for measuring the natural fluorescence of vegetation in the Fraunhofer lines. The payload consists of high spectral resolution (0.1-0.3 nm) CCD imaging grating spectrometer with two channels: one in the red (648-664 nm)and one in the blue (39 1- 438 nm) for working with several Fraunhofer lines. The across track FOV is 8.4°; ground spatial resolution is better than O.5x0.5km2. To increase the SIN ratio a steering mirror will be used, if necessary, to "freeze" the image and also to provide ca. 4° across track depointing. Calibration is made by viewing the sun via a diffuser plate switched into the telescope field of view. A separate CCD camera will allow cloud detection and scene identification. A TIR radiometer will provide simultaneous surface temperature measurements. The spacecraft, overall mass estimated at 200kg, is derived from the ASI-MITA bus which provides all the necessary subsystems and stabilized platform. By use of on-board storage, ground requirements for satellite control and data link are minimized; the possibility of local stations for real time reception/distribution is also envisaged. Provisional orbit characteristics are: LEO sun synchronous, 500-900km altitude. Priority will be given to highest revisit frequency on a sufficient number of selected test sites.
TNO Identifier
499336
ISSN
0277-786X
Publisher
International Society for Optical Engineering SPIE
Source title
Proceedings SPIE EUROPTO Conference on Remote Sensing for Earth Science, Ocean, and Sea Ice Applications, 20 September 1999, Florence, Italy
Collation
8 p.