The Earth explorer satellite GOCE (Gravity Field and Steady-State Ocean Circulation Explorer) was the first satellite mission within the framework of the Living Planet Program of ESA. This satellite mission was mapping the Earth's gravity field on global scales with a spatial resolution of approx. 100 km which is considerably more precise than all previous and current gravity satellite missions to date.

In this context, one of the most important scientific goals of the GOCE mission was the study of global ocean currents. Ocean currents cause deviations of the sea-level from its equilibrium state with respect to the Earth’s gravity field. These deviations, which are commonly known as ocean topography can amount up to two metres in height. Conclusions on the ocean circulation in association with climate changes can be drawn from knowledge on the ocean topography.

Further scientific objectives of the GOCE Mission were the determination of the structure of the Earth’s crust and the mantel convection as well as the generation of a unique precise global height reference system, which is essential for the precise monitoring of the sea-level and the understanding of its changes.