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GOCE delivering data for best gravity map ever

30 September 2009

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Worldwide gravity gradients from simulations. GOCE is now gathering data such as shown here to map Earth's gravity with unprecedented accuracy and spatial resolution. The final gravity map and model of the geoid will provide users worldwide with well-defined data products that will be instrumental in advancing science and applications in a broad range of disciplines. These will range from geodesy, geophysics and surveying to oceanography and sea-level research.

Credits: ESA

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GOCE will map the global variations in Earth's gravity with extreme detail and provide a unique model of the gravity field and geoid. The geoid is the surface of equal gravitational potential defined by the gravity field and is crucial for improving our understanding of ocean circulation, sea-level change and terrestrial ice dynamics, all of which are affected by climate change. GOCE-derived data will also provide new insight into processes occurring in the lithosphere and upper mantle. In addition, data will be used for practical applications such as surveying and levelling.

Credits: ESA - AOES Medialab

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Liftoff of GOCE on 17 March 2009 at 15:21 CET.

Credits: ESA

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The sleek aerodynamic design of GOCE immediately sets it apart from most other satellites. This unique five metre-long satellite has none of the usual moving parts. The whole satellite is a single composite gravity-measuring device.

Credits: ESA /AOES Medialab

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GOCE is a sleek five metre-long satellite about one metre in diameter. It consists of a central octagonal tube with seven internal 'floors' that support the equipment and electronic units. The satellite is built largely of carbon-fibre reinforced plastic sandwich panels to guarantee stable conditions and minimise mass. Forming the heart of the satellite, the gradiometer is mounted close to the satellite’s centre of mass. The gradiometer structure is based on ultra-stable carbon-carbon technology. GOCE is the first mission to employ the concept of gradiometry in space.

Credits: ESA–AOES-Medialab

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The need for GOCE to fly in a low orbit means it has to compensate for the atmospheric drag it experiences at this exceptionally low altitude. The animation shows a close-up of the ion-propulsion assembly, which keeps the satellite in a smooth trajectory – free from all effects except those of gravity itself. Two winglets provide additional aerodynamic stability.

Credits: ESA /AOES Medialab

GOCE launch