GRACE-FO
“Launched in May 2018 to continue the unprecedented success of the original GRACE mission.”
Mission Legacy & Global Climate
Since its launch in May 2018, the GRACE-FO mission has continued the measurement of variations in the Earth’s gravity field. It provides critical datasets that enable scientists to develop an even deeper understanding of long-term global climate processes.
GRACE-FO is a successor to the original GRACE mission, which orbited Earth from 2002-2017. It carries on the extremely successful work of its predecessor while testing new technology designed to dramatically improve measurement precision.
Innovative Laser
Ranging Interferometer
The new and innovative Laser Ranging Interferometer (LRI) technology has been successfully demonstrated and provides high-quality measurements. This technology is designed to dramatically improve the already remarkable precision of the mission’s measurement system.
Partnership
NASA & GFZ
Status
Active Operations
2018
LAUNCH
DATE
15+
YEARS SUCCESS
LRI
TECH DEMO
GFZ
GERMAN PARTNER
CSR Contribution
Scientists at the Center for Space Research (CSR) have played a pivotal role in the mission’s success through comprehensive technical and operational support.
01 System Engineering
02 Inflight Calibrations
03 Science Operations Management
04 Science Data System Effort
