An Improved Model of the Earth’s Static Gravity Field Solely Derived from Reprocessed GOCE Data

Abstract After it was found that the gravity gradients observed by Gravity field and steady-state Ocean Circulation Explorer (GOCE) satellite could be significantly improved an advanced calibration, a reprocessing project for entire mission data set initiated ESA performed GOCE High-level processing facility (GOCE HPF). One part of activity delivering solutions, where level 1b 2 serve as input global recovery. well-established approach analysis observations is so-called time-wise approach. Basic characteristics solutions only are included to remain independent any other observables emphasis put on stochastic modeling observations’ uncertainties. As consequence, provide GOCE-only model realistic uncertainty description in terms full covariance matrix coefficients. Within this contribution, we review discuss impact applied computation new GO_CONS_EGM_TIM_RL06 solution. The reflects Earth’s static during its operation. nearly all models, represented spherical harmonic expansion, with maximum degree 300. contributing presented, internal consistency demonstrated. updated solution nicely meets official requirements mean accuracy about cm geoid height 0.6 mGal anomalies at ESA’s target spatial resolution 100 km. Compared RL05 predecessor, three kinds improvements shown, i.e., (1) increases 10–25%, (2) more (3) local reduction systematic errors order centimeters.