The European Space Agency (ESA) launches satellite with heady task of measuring true gravity on Earth

Several months after reaching it’s orbit, the ESA’s  super satellite has begun its main task of measuring true gravity on Earth. The GOCE (Gravity field and steady state Ocean Circulation Explorer) satellite’s head goal is to help predict climate by accessing a more precise understanding of ocean currents.

Referring to the satellite as GOCE, the European Space Agency also calls it the “Formula 1 of the satellites.” A sleek, 17-foot bundle of sensors that costs 350 million euro ($515 million) currently barrels  in the extreme upper limits of Earth’s atmosphere. GOCE launched on March 17, 2009, but it’s localization into working position, has taken up half a year’s time.

Obtaining more accurate gravity map will help scientists to shed light on the inner Earth:  seismic activities, plate tectonics and other geophysical processes. GOCE’s predecessor, NASA’s project GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment)  launched in 2002 as twin satellites are accomplishing  the mission comparable to that of GOCE, and, as authorities say, the two projects complete each other successfully.