Sensor · Spaceborne

GRACE-FO Laser Ranging Interferometer (LRI)

Missions → GRACE-FO (Operational)

Data products → JPL GRACE and GRACE-FO Mascon RL06.3Mv04 (L3)

Laser inter-satellite ranging technology demonstration on GRACE-FO.

Sensor

GRACE-FO Laser Ranging Interferometer (LRI) is the laser inter-satellite ranging instrument flown on the GRACE-FO twin spacecraft. It measures fluctuations in the distance between the satellites by laser interferometry rather than microwave ranging ^[1]. The instrument was switched on after launch in 2018 and produced laser-ranging measurements across the roughly 220 km spacecraft separation ^[2]. LRI is a technology demonstration for future gravity missions while GRACE-FO continues the K/Ka-band microwave ranging record ^[1].

Where this fits, supply chain

Compositional position

GRACE-FO ——— this payload

this ——— GRACE-FO (Operational) flies on

this ——— JPL GRACE and GRACE-FO Mascon RL06.3Mv04 (L3) produces

Methods this sensor implements

Demonstrated

Satellite gravimetryvia GRACE-FO
GRACE-FO LRI demonstrates laser inter-satellite ranging for satellite gravimetry.

Capable, undemonstrated

None on record.

Topics this relates to

Glacier and ice-sheet mass Satellite gravimetry(demonstrated)well suited

Groundwater and terrestrial water storage Satellite gravimetry(demonstrated)well suited

Drought Satellite gravimetry(demonstrated)adequate

Sea level and ocean dynamics Satellite gravimetry(demonstrated)adequate

Inland water Satellite gravimetry(demonstrated)marginal

Snow water equivalent Satellite gravimetry(demonstrated)marginal

Soil moisture Satellite gravimetry(demonstrated)marginal

Sources

[1]GRACE-FO spacecraft and instruments, NASA JPLagency doc-2026-06-08
[2]First Laser Light for GRACE Follow-On, NASA JPLoperator press2018-07-022026-06-08
[3]GRACE-FO project, GFZagency doc-2026-06-08

Cite https://eo-atlas.org/products/sensor/lri Markdown twin → Field definitions →