NASA chooses UF mission to monitor Earth's water and ice

Written by Copernical Team Friday, 10 May 2024 22:23

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Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 10, 2024

NASA has awarded the University of Florida a $12 million mission called GRATTIS (Gravitational Reference Advanced Technology Test in Space), aimed at enhancing how we monitor Earth's water and ice movements. This was the only project selected from a national call for submissions. "GRATTIS will utilize advanced sensors to measure minute gravitational variations from space, aiding in the tra

NASA chooses UF mission to monitor Earth's water and ice
by Clarence Oxford
Los Angeles CA (SPX) May 10, 2024

NASA has awarded the University of Florida a $12 million mission called GRATTIS (Gravitational Reference Advanced Technology Test in Space), aimed at enhancing how we monitor Earth's water and ice movements. This was the only project selected from a national call for submissions.

"GRATTIS will utilize advanced sensors to measure minute gravitational variations from space, aiding in the tracking of surface and subsurface shifts," explained John Conklin, Ph.D., lead researcher and professor at the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.

"UF is committed to being a leader in space exploration, and this is a perfect example of how our researchers are advancing humanity's understanding of the world and the larger universe," said UF President Ben Sasse.

Scheduled for a 2027 launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, the project is currently in the sensor technology finalization and spacecraft integration phase, managed by UF's mission operations team.

"Our technology will provide vital insights into the movement of water and ice across the planet," Conklin said. "This data is essential for monitoring droughts, assessing groundwater reserves, and understanding the impact of melting ice sheets on sea levels."

This initiative marks a major development for UF's aerospace program and aligns with the new UF Space Institute goals, which aim to integrate and enhance space-related research across various disciplines.

"The GRATTIS mission builds on prior successes and underscores the university's role as a leader in space science and engineering," said Forrest Masters, Ph.D., interim dean of the Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering.

Conklin also acknowledged the collaborative effort involving major educational and industry partners like Texas A and M University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, CrossTrac Engineering, BAE Systems, Fibertek Inc., and Apex Space.

"We are excited to see our work transition from the lab to space and contribute to advancing our understanding of Earth's dynamic processes," Conklin said.