As of today the GOCE satellite has delivered several months of highly accurate gradiometer and satellite-to-satellite tracking data and first GOCE-only and combined gravity field solutions have been computed and applied for geophysical analyses. In addition GRACE is in its 9th year of operation and offers the opportunity to observe the time variable gravity field on a long term basis. The success of the gravity field missions offers the unique opportunity to observe the Earth gravity field simultaneously by different techniques. Nevertheless operations of both missions will end at some point and on a longer term basis the community seeks for opportunities to continue measuring gravity and its variability from space. Various initiatives are ongoing to prepare for future gravity mission: Simulation studies are performed, mission requirements are defined and potential measurement equipments and orbit scenarios are investigated.

This session solicits contributions about (1) results from the GRACE and GOCE missions in terms of data analyses and Earth science applications and (2) combination and synergies of GRACE and GOCE targeting on combined gravity field solutions, and (3) status and study results of future gravity field missions.