Space & Earth Science
NORAD ID: 34602
Int'l Code: 2009-013A
Perigee: 228.6 km
Apogee: 240.3 km
Inclination: 96.6 °
Period: 89.0 minutes
Semi major axis: 6605 km
Launch date: March 17, 2009
Source: European Space Agency (ESA)
Comments: GOCE is a slender, winged ion-driven satellite launched to glide through the upper atmosphere for nearly two years measuring Earth's gravity field with unprecedented precision. GOCE data will also provide a new understanding of tectonic activity that could lead to better forecasts of earthquakes and volcanoes. Scientists expect changes in Earth's interior to show up in the satellite's gravity measurements. GOCE, which stands for the Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer, is the first of six ESA Earth Explorer satellites built to focus on aspects of processes affecting the planet's climate.
Two Line Element Set (TLE):
1 34602U 09013A 13169.12007130 -.00004011 19229-5 -22294-5 0 7114
2 34602 096.5654 197.7532 0008811 129.8488 304.1911 16.17142435249383
Source: AFSPC
NASA's NSSDC Master Catalog entry for GOCE
