The Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer, or GOCE satellite, will explore the Earth’s gravitational field with unprecedented resolution and precision to better understand the planet’s internal structure, ocean dynamics and climate change. As part of a 40-company consortium led by GOCE main contractor Thales Alenia Space, GMV is responsible for mission analysis, and through a subsequent project for ESA’s Space Operations Center in Germany (ESOC), has led the design, development, and maintenance of the GOCE ground Mission Control System (MCS). This software is responsible for generating the control orders and receiving the satellite-sent telemetry for checking the functioning of the onboard equipment. To ensure smooth operation during the initial launch phases, a four-person team from GMV provided direct support in ESA’s operations center. GMV engineers are also involved in the Flight Dynamics operations to ensure the correct GOCE orbit at each moment.
Satnews Daily
April 2nd, 2009
GOCE Gets Grounded With GMV
The Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer, or GOCE satellite, will explore the Earth’s gravitational field with unprecedented resolution and precision to better understand the planet’s internal structure, ocean dynamics and climate change. As part of a 40-company consortium led by GOCE main contractor Thales Alenia Space, GMV is responsible for mission analysis, and through a subsequent project for ESA’s Space Operations Center in Germany (ESOC), has led the design, development, and maintenance of the GOCE ground Mission Control System (MCS). This software is responsible for generating the control orders and receiving the satellite-sent telemetry for checking the functioning of the onboard equipment. To ensure smooth operation during the initial launch phases, a four-person team from GMV provided direct support in ESA’s operations center. GMV engineers are also involved in the Flight Dynamics operations to ensure the correct GOCE orbit at each moment.