NASA activates lasers to help monitor gravitational anomalies



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In orbit since May, NASA 's new surveillance satellites are virtually ready to observe the levels of ice, atmosphere and the ocean. In addition, twin gravimetric recovery tracking and climate experiment (GRACE-FO) satellites have activated their lasers for the first time so that they are all connected to each other when they are connected to each other. they are in orbit around the Earth

. they, caused by the variations of the gravitational field of our planet. Such data will help scientists better understand and monitor ice sheet thinning, sea level rise and even the flow of underground magma.

19659004] GRACE-FO uses a microwave detection system and also flies with an experimental laser variation interferometric (LRI) instrument on board. Thus, this mission will serve as a demonstration that LRI technology is effective in providing accurate measurements. As Kirk McKenzie, JPL representative at NASA, said: "The LRI is a breakthrough for precise distance measurements in space, the first spacecraft laser interferometer and the culminating point of space. a decade of research and development funded by NASA and Germany. Also according to NASA, the test conducted on June 13th proved that the LRI instruments of the craft are working as expected. This is because the researchers were able to connect in the initial attempt and even broadcast their first reach data to the solo team. In addition, in the coming weeks and months, scientists will refine and refine the laser instruments to make sure they understand the data they are transmitting.

GRACE-FO is a partnership project between NASA and the German Geoscience Research Center in Potsdam. In addition, there are other collaborators for the laser range interferometer, especially in research centers in several countries, such as France, Switzerland and Australia.

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