GRACE-Follow-On
The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment-Follow-On (GRACE-FO) Mission was launched on 22 May 2018 and will continue the GRACE mission. The primary mission goal is to generate high-resolution models for the static time variable components of the Earth's gravity field. GRACE-Follow-On utilizes the same overall technique as GRACE – carefully measuring inter-satellite range between two twin spacecrafts following each other on the same orbital track. In addition, each satellite carries a GNSS receiver, a laser retro reflector and a high accuracy accelerometer to perform precise orbit determination.
The satellites of the GRACE-FO mission are additionally equipped with a laser ranging interferometer as a technology demonstration. It provides laser interferometry measurements of inter-satellite ranges between the spacecrafts but the laser approach will be much more accurate. The accuracy is within nanometer-level. The advantage is largely due to the shorter wavelength of the laser compared to the microwave wavelength.
The GRACE-FO Mission Operations System (MOS) and Ground Data System (GDS) is funded by the GFZ. The German Space Operation Center (GSOC) in Oberpfaffenhofen is in charge for the mission operations in a sub-contracting relationship. The GFZ provides the operations mission manager, validated flight procedures and its satellite receiving station in Ny-Ålesund/Spitsbergen.
Launch Date | 22 May 2018 |
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Orbit Altitude | 490 km after Launch / current 475 km |
Orbital Position | 89.0° |
Mass | 2 x 655 kg |
Dimensions | 2 x 3.1 m |
Launch Site | Vandenberg, CA, USA |
Launch Vehicle | Falcon 9 |
Control Center | DLR / GSOC |
Ground Stations | Weilheim, Neustrelitz, Ny-Ålesund, O'Higgins Alaska, Spitzbergen, McMurdo, Wallops (LEOP / Checkout-Phase) |
