GOCE

ESA's gravity mission

Launched on in March 2009, ESA's Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) mission is bringing about a whole new level of understanding of one of Earth's most fundamental forces of nature – the gravity field.

Dubbed the 'Formula 1' of satellites, this sleek high-tech gravity satellite embodies many firsts in its design and use of new technology in space to map Earth's gravity field in unprecedented detail.

Although invisible, gravity is a complex force of nature that has an immeasurable impact on our everyday lives. It is often assumed that the force of gravity on the surface of Earth has a constant value, but in fact the value of 'g' varies subtly from place to place. GOCE is mapping these tiny variations with extreme detail and accuracy.

Data from GOCE has resulted in a unique model of the 'geoid', which is the surface of an ideal global ocean in the absence of tides and currents, shaped only by gravity. This is a crucial reference for measuring ocean circulation, sea-level change and ice dynamics – all affected by climate change.

GOCE-derived data are also much needed to understand more about processes occurring inside Earth and for use in practical applications such as surveying and levelling.