Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE)

The Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) is a satellite mission designed to map Earth's gravity field with high precision. By measuring tiny variations in gravity caused by the distribution of mass beneath the surface—such as water, ice, and land—GRACE helps scientists monitor changes in Earth's water storage, ice sheets, and overall mass distribution. This information is crucial for studying climate change, sea level rise, and natural processes affecting Earth's environment. Launched in 2002, GRACE has provided valuable data for understanding the dynamic nature of our planet's surface and subsurface.