On this day in space! Nov. 10, 2013: Europe's GOCE satellite, the 'Ferrari of space,' fell out of orbit after mapping Earth's gravity field

The European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN) launched the Gravity Field Explorer Observatory (GOCE) satellite on April 26, 2009, with a mission duration planned for approximately seven years. The primary objective of GOCE was to map Earth’s gravity field with unprecedented accuracy over a period of four years. This detailed data collection aimed to improve our understanding of plate tectonics and ocean currents. Unfortunately, on November 10, 2013, the ‘Ferrari of space,’ as it was nicknamed due to its innovative design, experienced an anomaly and ceased functioning in orbit. Consequently, the satellite re-entered the atmosphere and impacted land near the village of Salla, Finland.