description Jason-2 Overview
Jason-2 was an international satellite altimetry mission launched on June 20, 2008, through a collaboration between NASA, CNES, EUMETSAT, and NOAA. Positioned in low Earth orbit, its primary objective was to measure global sea-surface height and continue the critical climate data record initiated by the earlier TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason-1 missions. The spacecraft utilized a radar altimeter to map ocean topography, providing vital data for monitoring sea level rise, ocean circulation, and climate change. After more than a decade of operation, the mission was officially decommissioned in 2019.
help Jason-2 FAQ
What was the primary mission of the Jason-2 satellite?
Jason-2 was an oceanography satellite designed to measure the height of the sea surface across the globe. Launched in 2008, it extended a critical continuous climate record initiated by the earlier TOPEX/Poseidon mission.
Which space agencies partnered to build Jason-2?
The Jason-2 mission was a major international collaboration between NASA, CNES (the French space agency), EUMETSAT, and NOAA. This partnership ensured the continuous monitoring of global ocean circulation and climate change.
How does Jason-2 measure sea levels?
Jason-2 used a highly precise radar altimeter to bounce microwave signals off the ocean surface and measure the return time. By calculating the distance to the water, scientists could determine sea surface height to within a few centimeters.
When was Jason-2 decommissioned?
After over a decade of highly successful operations, Jason-2 was decommissioned in late 2019. It had far exceeded its original 3 to 5 year design lifetime before its orbit was safely lowered.
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