Track GOCE Satellite in Real Time
Detailed information about GOCE satellite
Designator id: 2009-013A
Description of GOCE Satellite:
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 17 March 2009 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.
1 34602U 09013A 12338.77684240 -.00000565 19164-5 39892-7 0 2863 2 34602 096.5862 001.0878 0004913 197.1803 162.9297 16.11527907217749