GRACE-2 (27392)

COSPAR: 2002-012B | Alt Name: GRACE 2
DECAYED

Image
GRACE-2 Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 17, 2002

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC133/3

Launch Vehicle

Rokot

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

27392

International Designator

2002-012B

Decay Date

12/24/2017

Basic Satellite Info

Name

GRACE-2

Alternative Name

GRACE 2

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

GFZ/JPL

Country

Germany

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
GRACE-2, also known as GRACE 2, is an Earth Science satellite designed for gravity field mapping launched on March 17, 2002, from the Plesetsk Launch Site using a Rokot launch vehicle. The spacecraft has dimensions of 3.1 meters in length and diameter with a span of 3.1 meters. It features a hexagonal cylindrical shape and is equipped with solar cells and batteries for power supply. GRACE-2 weighs 475 kg at launch, with a dry mass of 443 kg, and includes equipment such as GPS receivers and microwave ranging systems. The satellite was manufactured by ASTD and operated under the ownership of GFZ/JPL for Earth science research, achieving an extended lifetime beyond its planned five years to reach ten years in total.
Physical Characteristics

Length

3.1

Diameter

0.8

Span

3.1

Dry Mass

443

Launch Mass

475

Shape

Hex Cyl

Radar Cross Section

0.5959

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

GRACE 2

Purpose

Earth Science, Gravity field mapping

Mission

Earth Science, Gravity field mapping

Manufacturer

ASTD

Life Expectancy

5 years (planned), +10 years reached

Bus

FlexBus

Configuration

Flexbus

Motor

N2 AOCS

Equipment

GPS receiver, microwave ranging system

Power System

Solar cells, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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