description GRACE-FO Overview
GRACE-FO, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On, is a joint NASA and German Research Centre for Geosciences Earth-observation mission launched in 2018. Its two satellites measure minute changes in the distance between them as they orbit, allowing scientists to map variations in Earth's gravity field. The data are used to track changes in groundwater, ice sheets, glaciers, sea level, and the movement of mass within the Earth system.
help GRACE-FO FAQ
What does the GRACE-FO mission stand for?
GRACE-FO stands for the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On. It is a joint Earth-observation mission operated by NASA and the German Research Centre for Geosciences.
When was the GRACE-FO satellite mission launched?
The twin satellites that make up the GRACE-FO mission were successfully launched into orbit in 2018. They replaced the original GRACE satellites that had been tracking Earth's gravity since 2002.
How does GRACE-FO measure changes in Earth's gravity?
The mission utilizes two identical satellites flying in formation that constantly measure minute changes in the distance between them. As they fly over denser masses of water or ice, the gravitational pull alters their separation slightly.
What kind of climate data does GRACE-FO collect?
By mapping gravity anomalies, GRACE-FO allows scientists to track the movement of water masses, such as melting ice sheets and depleting underground aquifers. This data is crucial for monitoring global climate change.
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