GOCE (34602)

COSPAR: 2009-013A | Alt Name: GOCE
DECAYED

Image
GOCE Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

March 17, 2009

Launch Site

PLMSC

Launch Pad

LC133/3

Launch Vehicle

Rokot

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

34602

International Designator

2009-013A

Decay Date

11/11/2013

Basic Satellite Info

Name

GOCE

Alternative Name

GOCE

Type

Payload

Status

Decayed

Owner

ESA

Country

European Space Agency

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Summary
GOCE (Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer) is an Earth Science satellite launched by ESA on March 17, 2009, from Plesetsk Cosmodrome using a Rokot launch vehicle. The spacecraft measures 5 meters in length with a diameter of 1 meter and a span of 5 meters. It has a dry mass of 1200 kg and the same launch mass. GOCE is equipped with solar cells and batteries for power, featuring a motor system that includes two 20 mN RF-ion thrusters and eight 1 mN proportional micro-thrusters. The mission's purpose was to map Earth's gravity field in unprecedented detail. The satellite operated for approximately 20 months before its end of life.
Physical Characteristics

Length

5

Diameter

1

Span

5

Dry Mass

1200

Launch Mass

1200

Shape

Cyl + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

1.507

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

GOCE

Purpose

Earth Science

Mission

Earth Science

Manufacturer

EASF

Life Expectancy

20 months

Bus

GOCE

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

2 x 20 mN RF-ion thrusters, 1 mN proportional micro-thrusters (2 x 4 pods)

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

Solar cells, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

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