ESA - Living Planet Programme - GOCE - Earth's gravity revealed in unprecedented detail

ESA's gravity mission GOCE

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Earth's gravity revealed in unprecedented detail

31 March 2011

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ESA's GOCE mission has delivered the most accurate model of the 'geoid' ever produced, which will be used to further our understanding of how Earth works.

The colours in the image represent deviations in height (–100 m to +100 m) from an ideal geoid. The blue colours represent low values and the reds/yellows represent high values.

The geoid is the surface of an ideal global ocean in the absence of tides and currents, shaped only by gravity. It is a crucial reference for measuring ocean circulation, sea-level change and ice dynamics – all affected by climate change.

Credits: ESA/HPF/DLR

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A better knowledge of Earth's gravity field and its associated geoid will significantly advance our understanding of how the Earth system works. An accurate model of the geoid will advance our understanding global ocean circulation patterns and sea-level rise.

Credits: ESA

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ESA's GOCE mission has delivered the most accurate model of the 'geoid' ever produced, which will be used to further our understanding of how Earth works.

The colours in the image represent deviations in height (–100 m to +100 m) from an ideal geoid. The blue colours represent low values and the reds/yellows represent high values.

A precise model of Earth's geoid is crucial for deriving accurate measurements of ocean circulation, sea-level change and terrestrial ice dynamics. The geoid is also used as a reference surface from which to map the topographical features on the planet. In addition, a better understanding of variations in the gravity field will lead to a deeper understanding of Earth's interior, such as the physics and dynamics associated with volcanic activity and earthquakes.

Credits: ESA/HPF/DLR

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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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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