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Russia launches European gravity probe: space centre
Moscow (AFP) March 17, 2009 A pioneering European satellite designed to map Earth's gravity field was launched Tuesday from the Plesetsk site in northern Russia, space officials said. "The rocket carrying the European satellite was launched as planned," a spokeswoman for the Khrunichev space centre told AFP by telephone. The launch of the sophisticated satellite, which looks like a spyplane, had been scheduled to take place on Monday but was delayed by a day for what space officials in Moscow and in Rome described as technical reasons. The European Space Agency's Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer, or GOCE, has suffered several delays since its original launch date of September 10 from the Plesetsk cosmodrome, 800 kilometres (500 miles) north of Moscow. The satellite's launcher is a Rockot, derived from a Russian intercontinental ballistic missile and operated by a joint venture between EADS Astrium and the Khrunichev Space Centre. Part of ESA's "Earth Explorer" programme initiated in 1999, GOCE's mission is to deepen understanding about fundamentals of the planet -- its atmosphere, oceans, biosphere and interior. The five-metre- (16-feet-) long satellite, weighing about 1,050 kilograms (2,310 pounds), will orbit at 260 kilometres (160 miles) and can detect the smallest changes in the Earth's gravity field, scientists say. Scientists say it will be especially useful in gathering data about climate change and its impact on Earth. By combining the gravity data with information about sea-surface height, scientists will be able to track the direction and speed of ocean currents. Rune Floberhagen, GOCE mission manager at ESA, said: "We need this measurement in order to understand the absolute circulation of the ocean. "Once you better know the ocean circulation, you will be able to know more about climate and climate evolution as well." The cost of the project has crossed 350 million euros (455 million dollars), of which 13 million was spent on the launch. Share This Article With Planet Earth
Related Links Launch Pad at Space-Travel.com
Four Launches From Esrange Space Center In Four Days
Esrange, Sweden (SPX) Mar 14, 2009During the last four days two large scientific balloon gondolas and two rockets have been launched from Swedish Space Corporation's (SSC) facility Esrange Space Center. A fifth launch, a student rocket with the aim to break an altitude record for amateur rocketry, is scheduled for Monday. |
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