By the time of the meeting the GOCE satellite will have completed the first measurement phase and initial performance analyses will have been done. In addition GRACE still is in operation and offers the unique opportunity to observe the Earth gravity field simultaneously by different techniques. Ground data analysis still is improving and one can expect from both missions initial or improved results. On a longer term basis the community seeks for opportunities to continue measuring gravity and its variability from space. Various initiatives have been started to prepare a future gravity mission: Simulation studies are performed, mission requirements are defined and potential measurement equipments are identified.

This session solicits contributions about (1) status and early results from the GOCE mission as well as plans for GOCE data analysis, (2) GRACE mission status and new results from GRACE data analysis including applications in Earth sciences, (3) combination and synergy of GRACE and GOCE and (4) studies on future gravity field missions.