First GOCE gravity field models have been released in summer this year to the user community. The... more First GOCE gravity field models have been released in summer this year to the user community. These models were obtained using three different approaches, the so-called time-wise, space-wise and direct methods. The time-wise method produces a GOCE-only gravity solution from scratch, i.e. no prior information is used, whereas the space-wise and direct methods aim at optimally combining prior information (dominated by GRACE) with GOCE observations, resulting in so-called combined models. As part of the product validation activities of ESA's science processing facility (HPF), these GOCE gravity field models are extensively tested by different methods. For external quality control in general two methods are applied: (1) Comparison of the global models against independent GPS-levelling derived geoid heights and (2) analysis of orbit residuals computed for a number of satellites. The presentation addresses the validation procedure and includes results of the validation activities, sp...
In the last decade, satellite gravimetry has been revealed as a pioneering technique for mapping ... more In the last decade, satellite gravimetry has been revealed as a pioneering technique for mapping mass redistributions within the Earth system. This fact has allowed us to have an improved understanding of the dynamic processes that take place within and I. Panet (between the Earth's various constituents. Results from the Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission have revolutionized Earth system research and have established the necessity for future satellite gravity missions. In 2010, a comprehensive team of European and Canadian scientists and industrial partners proposed the e.motion (Earth system mass transport mission) concept to the European Space Agency. The proposal is based on two tandem satellites in a pendulum orbit configuration at an altitude of about 370 km, carrying a laser interferometer inter-satellite ranging instrument and improved accelerometers. In this paper, we review and discuss a wide range of mass signals related to the global water cycle and to solid Earth deformations that were outlined in the e.motion proposal. The technological and mission challenges that need to be addressed in order to detect these signals are emphasized within the context of the scientific return. This analysis presents a broad perspective on the value and need for future satellite gravimetry missions.
First GOCE gravity field models have been released in summer this year to the user community. The... more First GOCE gravity field models have been released in summer this year to the user community. These models were obtained using three different approaches, the so-called time-wise, space-wise and direct methods. The time-wise method produces a GOCE-only gravity solution from scratch, i.e. no prior information is used, whereas the space-wise and direct methods aim at optimally combining prior information (dominated by GRACE) with GOCE observations, resulting in so-called combined models. As part of the product validation activities of ESA's science processing facility (HPF), these GOCE gravity field models are extensively tested by different methods. For external quality control in general two methods are applied: (1) Comparison of the global models against independent GPS-levelling derived geoid heights and (2) analysis of orbit residuals computed for a number of satellites. The presentation addresses the validation procedure and includes results of the validation activities, sp...
In the last decade, satellite gravimetry has been revealed as a pioneering technique for mapping ... more In the last decade, satellite gravimetry has been revealed as a pioneering technique for mapping mass redistributions within the Earth system. This fact has allowed us to have an improved understanding of the dynamic processes that take place within and I. Panet (between the Earth's various constituents. Results from the Gravity Recovery And Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission have revolutionized Earth system research and have established the necessity for future satellite gravity missions. In 2010, a comprehensive team of European and Canadian scientists and industrial partners proposed the e.motion (Earth system mass transport mission) concept to the European Space Agency. The proposal is based on two tandem satellites in a pendulum orbit configuration at an altitude of about 370 km, carrying a laser interferometer inter-satellite ranging instrument and improved accelerometers. In this paper, we review and discuss a wide range of mass signals related to the global water cycle and to solid Earth deformations that were outlined in the e.motion proposal. The technological and mission challenges that need to be addressed in order to detect these signals are emphasized within the context of the scientific return. This analysis presents a broad perspective on the value and need for future satellite gravimetry missions.
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Papers by T. Gruber