Lifetime of gravity measurements heralds new beginning
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GOCE’s four years in orbit resulted in a series of four gravity models, each more accurate than the last. These models have been used to generate corresponding ‘geoids’ – the surface of a global ocean moulded by gravity alone. The satellite was designed to orbit at an extremely low altitude of 255 km to gain the best possible gravity measurements. Although the satellite is no longer in orbit, scientists now have the best possible information to hand about Earth’s gravity, effectively a new beginning for the mission. The ultimate geoid model and gravity data will be used for years to come for a deeper understanding of Earth.