34602 - GOCE

GOCE, the Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer, is a European (ESA) Earth science satellite that was launched at 14:21 UT on 2009 March 17 from Plesetsk on a Rockot/Breeze KM launch vehicle. GOCE is designed to measure Earth's gravitational field to create very high-resolution maps of the geoid. These maps will provide the baseline for measurements of ocean circulation and sea-level change. The 1,100-kg spacecraft is 5 meters long by 1 meter wide and its fixed solar arrays will produce 1.3 kW of power. The satellite carries six high-sensitivity accelerometers arranged along three axes of the spacecraft. To enable the satellite to acquire high-resolution measurements, the satellite must travel at a low orbital altitude (260 km) at which atmospheric drag effects are still significant. To compensate for these effects the satellite has a sleek arrow-shaped design to reduce drag and small winglets and a tail fin to stabilize the spacecraft. GOCE's orbital altitude will also be maintained with the assistance of an ion engine on-board.

Facts in Brief

Launch Date: 2009-03-17
Launch Vehicle: Rokot/Breeze-KM
Launch Site: Plesetsk, Russia