Goce satellites surf near the Earth

Goce, Europe's ultra-low flying satellite, has just been pulled down further from Earth to improve its data resolution.

Goce, Europe's ultra-low flying satellite, has just been pulled down further from Earth to improve its data resolution.

The arrow-shaped satellite of the European Aviation Agency (ESA) has spent most of its time maintaining at a height of 255km, which is less than 500km from other satellite missions.

However, the distance has just been narrowed by 20km, following a dangerous strategy to enhance its observation ability.

Picture 1 of Goce satellites surf near the Earth

Goce satellite is carrying out a risky mission - (Photo: ESA)

At such an altitude, Goce must constantly resist the gravitational pull of the atmosphere in order to maintain the stability necessary in an effort to measure the Earth's gravity, according to BBC's Project Director. Dr. Rune Floberghagen.

Dr. Floberghagen said that despite the risk, the data quality would increase by 35%.

Goce, short for Exploratory Ship of Geomagnetic Field and Stable Ocean Circulation, was launched into space in 2009.

This satellite carries a super sensitive device to detect the slightest changes in attraction on the surface of the globe.

Update 17 December 2018
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