GRACE-FO (NASA / Germany)

Twin US-German satellites weigh Earth's water by measuring gravity, tracking groundwater, ice and sea level since 2018.

Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech.

Watch: Satellites That Weigh Earth's Water

SI-generated video by Saving Planets.

GRACE-FO: Mission Status

Active. Dates per NASA; missions shift.

The Five W's of GRACE-FO

Who

NASA and German partners.

Source: NASA JPL, GRACE-FO

What

Twin satellites measuring Earth's changing gravity field.

Source: NASA, GRACE-FO

When

Launched May 22, 2018; operating.

Source: NASA, GRACE-FO

Where

Low Earth orbit, observing the whole planet.

Source: NASA, GRACE-FO

Why

To track water in aquifers, ice and oceans, for drought and water planning.

Source: NASA, GRACE-FO

Impact Statement

Agency solution · active

GRACE-FO, the US-German successor to GRACE (2002-2017), launched on May 22, 2018 and tracks Earth's water movement by measuring tiny changes in gravity. Its data reveal groundwater loss, ice sheet change and sea level rise; scientists using these satellites found Earth's total freshwater dropped abruptly starting in May 2014.

Source: NASA, GRACE-FO

Source: NASA JPL, GRACE-FO

See also Lakes and Rivers.

For Further Information: NASA JPL, GRACE-FO

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