# Far-infrared Outgoing Radiation Understanding and Monitoring

> planned ESA Earth observation satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q85760515](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q85760515)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Far-infrared_Outgoing_Radiation_Understanding_and_Monitoring)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/far-infrared-outgoing-radiation-understanding-and-monitoring

## Summary
The Far-infrared Outgoing Radiation Understanding and Monitoring (FORUM) mission is a planned European Space Agency (ESA) Earth observation satellite designed to study far-infrared radiation emitted by Earth to improve understanding of the planet's energy balance and climate system. As part of the Earth Explorer Programme, it will address critical gaps in measuring longwave radiation, which is essential for climate modeling. FORUM is also known as Earth Explorer 9.

## Key Facts
- **Full Name**: Far-infrared Outgoing Radiation Understanding and Monitoring (FORUM)
- **Operator**: European Space Agency (ESA)
- **Programme**: Part of the Earth Explorer Programme (as the ninth mission)
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit
- **Manufacturer**: Prime contractor Airbus Defence and Space (spacecraft) and OHB System AG (payload)
- **Mass**: 883 kg
- **Power**: Equipped with spacecraft solar arrays
- **Preceded By**: FLEX mission
- **Followed By**: Harmony mission
- **Website**: https://www.esa.int/forum (in English)

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary goal of the FORUM mission?
A: FORUM aims to measure far-infrared radiation emitted by Earth to better understand the planet's energy balance and improve climate models, addressing a key gap in existing Earth observation data.

### Q: Is FORUM already launched?
A: No, FORUM is a planned mission with no confirmed launch date as of the latest available information.

### Q: How does FORUM differ from the FLEX mission?
A: While FLEX focuses on fluorescence to study plant health, FORUM targets far-infrared radiation to analyze Earth's thermal emissions, providing complementary data for climate research.

## Why It Matters
FORUM plays a critical role in advancing climate science by addressing the under-explored far-infrared spectrum, which accounts for roughly half of Earth's outgoing longwave radiation. This mission will enhance the accuracy of climate models, improve predictions of environmental changes, and support international efforts to mitigate climate risks. As part of ESA's Earth Explorer Programme, FORUM exemplifies targeted, science-driven Earth observation, ensuring Europe's leadership in understanding Earth's systems. By filling data gaps, FORUM will directly contribute to more reliable assessments of climate feedback mechanisms and energy imbalances, informing policy and research globally.

## Notable For
- First dedicated mission to systematically observe far-infrared radiation, a critical but understudied component of Earth's energy budget.
- Selected as the ninth mission in ESA's prestigious Earth Explorer Programme, emphasizing its scientific value.
- Features advanced instrumentation designed to capture high-resolution spectral data in the 4–100 µm range.
- Represents a collaborative effort between leading European space companies (Airbus and OHB) and scientific institutions.

## Body
### Mission Overview
FORUM is a planned ESA satellite mission focused on measuring far-infrared radiation (4–100 µm) emitted by Earth. This spectrum is crucial for understanding the planet's thermal balance but has been inadequately monitored by existing satellites. The mission will provide global data to refine climate models and better predict environmental changes.

### Spacecraft Design
- **Mass**: 883 kg
- **Power**: Solar arrays with three panels
- **Manufacturers**:
  - **Spacecraft**: Airbus Defence and Space (prime contractor)
  - **Payload**: OHB System AG

### Instrumentation
The payload includes a spectrometer designed to capture high-resolution far-infrared spectra, enabling precise measurements of Earth's outgoing longwave radiation. This instrument will operate in a Sun-synchronous orbit, ensuring consistent coverage of the planet.

### Launch and Operations
FORUM will follow the FLEX mission and precede the Harmony mission in the Earth Explorer Programme. While no launch date has been officially confirmed, the mission is structured to ensure continuity in ESA's Earth observation efforts.

### Legacy
As the ninth Earth Explorer mission, FORUM builds on the programme's legacy of addressing urgent scientific questions. Its data will complement existing datasets, supporting interdisciplinary research in climatology, meteorology, and environmental science.

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## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/forum.htm)