# GRACE-FO 2

> German/American science satellite

**Wikidata**: [Q61040417](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q61040417)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/grace-fo-2

## Summary
GRACE-FO 2 is a German-American research satellite launched in 2018 as part of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission. It is designed to measure Earth's gravitational field variations and monitor climate-related changes, such as ice mass loss and groundwater depletion. The satellite operates in a sun-synchronous orbit and is operated jointly by NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR).

## Key Facts
- **Class**: Research satellite
- **Operated by**: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and German Aerospace Center (DLR)
- **Launch date**: May 22, 2018, at 19:47:58 UTC
- **Launch vehicle**: Falcon 9 Block 4 (SpaceX)
- **Launch site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit with an inclination of 88.9853°
- **Mass**: 600.2 kilograms
- **Dimensions**: 3.123 m (length) × 1.943 m (width) × 0.78 m (height)
- **Power source**: Solar cell panel
- **Mission duration**: Designed for at least five years
- **Part of**: Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission

## FAQs
### Q: What is the purpose of GRACE-FO 2?
A: GRACE-FO 2 is part of the GRACE-FO mission, which monitors Earth's gravitational field variations to track changes in ice mass, groundwater storage, and sea level rise. It helps scientists understand climate-related processes.

### Q: Who operates GRACE-FO 2?
A: GRACE-FO 2 is operated jointly by NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR), with contributions from international partners.

### Q: How was GRACE-FO 2 launched?
A: GRACE-FO 2 was launched on May 22, 2018, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 4 rocket from Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East.

### Q: What is the orbit of GRACE-FO 2?
A: GRACE-FO 2 operates in a sun-synchronous orbit with an inclination of 88.9853° and a semi-major axis of 6,871.5 kilometers.

### Q: How long is GRACE-FO 2 expected to operate?
A: The mission is designed to last at least five years, with potential extensions based on performance and funding.

## Why It Matters
GRACE-FO 2 is a critical component of the GRACE-FO mission, which provides essential data for climate research and environmental monitoring. By measuring Earth's gravitational field with high precision, the mission helps scientists track changes in ice mass, groundwater storage, and sea level rise. These measurements are crucial for understanding climate change impacts, managing water resources, and predicting future environmental trends. The collaboration between NASA and the German Aerospace Center (DLR) ensures robust data collection and analysis, supporting global efforts to address climate challenges.

## Notable For
- **Joint international mission**: Operated by NASA and DLR, with contributions from international partners.
- **Precision gravity measurements**: Uses advanced technology to track Earth's gravitational field variations.
- **Climate monitoring**: Provides critical data on ice mass loss, groundwater depletion, and sea level rise.
- **Long-duration mission**: Designed for at least five years of operation, with potential extensions.
- **Sun-synchronous orbit**: Ensures consistent data collection for climate research.

## Body
### Mission Overview
GRACE-FO 2 is part of the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment Follow-On (GRACE-FO) mission, which succeeds the original GRACE mission. The mission's primary goal is to measure Earth's gravitational field variations, which are influenced by changes in mass distribution, such as ice melt, groundwater depletion, and ocean dynamics.

### Technical Specifications
- **Mass**: 600.2 kg
- **Dimensions**: 3.123 m (length) × 1.943 m (width) × 0.78 m (height)
- **Power**: Solar cell panel
- **Orbit**: Sun-synchronous orbit with an inclination of 88.9853° and a semi-major axis of 6,871.5 km
- **Periapsis**: 483.1 km
- **Apoapsis**: 503.6 km
- **Orbital period**: 94.48 minutes
- **Eccentricity**: 0.0014902

### Launch and Deployment
- **Launch date**: May 22, 2018, at 19:47:58 UTC
- **Launch vehicle**: SpaceX Falcon 9 Block 4 (Booster B1043.2)
- **Launch site**: Vandenberg Space Launch Complex 4 East
- **Manufacturer**: Airbus Defence and Space (general contractor)

### Operational Details
- **Epoch**: December 28, 2020, at 03:31:07 UTC
- **Spacecraft bus**: Flexbus
- **Country of origin**: United States and Germany
- **Launch contractor**: SpaceX

### Scientific Contributions
GRACE-FO 2 contributes to climate research by providing high-precision data on Earth's gravitational field. This data helps scientists monitor changes in ice mass, groundwater storage, and sea level, which are critical for understanding climate change impacts and managing natural resources. The mission's long-duration design ensures continuous data collection, supporting global climate studies.

## References

1. [Source](https://space.skyrocket.de/doc_sdat/grace-fo.htm)
2. [Source](http://planet4589.org/space/log/launchlog.txt)
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. [Source](https://gracefo.jpl.nasa.gov/resources/70/grace-fo-launch-press-kit/)
5. [Source](https://www.heavens-above.com/orbit.aspx?satid=43477)