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 for the first five years. 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
Orbit Altitude:
490 km
89.0°
2 x 655 kg
Dimensions:
2 x 3.1 m
Weilheim, Neustrelitz, Ny-Ålesund
Alaska, Spitsbergen, McMurdo, Wallops (LEOP / Checkout-Phase)