The main objective of this study is to derive algorithms to retrieve thermospheric density and winds using GOCE common-mode accelerations and DFAC data. Furthermore the algorithms shall be used to generate air density and wind products along the GOCE orbit and on grids. The objectives of this study are as follows:
To review the state-of-the-art in thermospheric density and wind retrieval using existing missions with accelerometers (such as GRACE and CHAMP).
To determine an aerodynamic macro-model for GOCE using precise drawings and surface properties of the satellite.
To define the required data sets from the satellite, including official GOCE Level 1b data sets and drag-free control actuation data, needed for the optimal determination of air density and wind profiles, along with all related algorithms and processing models.
To derive insitu air density/winds along the GOCE orbit using the sum of DFAC data and GOCE common-mode accelerations (a generic side-output will be a check of accelerometer calibration parameters by calculating biases and scales).
To derive calibrated state-of-the-art air density/wind models along the orbit by using GOCE air density data, e.g. to calibrate NRLMSISE-00 model and HWM-93 model.
To derive a GRACE/CHAMP calibrated air density/wind model and validate the GOCE air density/wind product at GOCE altitude and orbit position.
To make geophysical interpretations of the data and results.
