description Jason-3 Overview
Jason-3 is an Earth observation satellite designed specifically to monitor global ocean surface topography and sea-level rise. Launched on January 17, 2016, it represents an ongoing international collaboration between NASA, the French space agency CNES, NOAA, and EUMETSAT. The spacecraft utilizes a radar altimeter to precisely measure the distance between the satellite and the ocean surface, continuing a multi-decadal record of sea-surface height data that began with the TOPEX/Poseidon mission in 1992. This data is crucial for meteorologists, oceanographers, and climate scientists studying ocean circulation patterns.
help Jason-3 FAQ
What does Jason-3 measure from orbit?
Jason-3 uses radar altimetry to measure sea-surface height across most of the world's ice-free oceans. Repeated measurements reveal global mean sea-level change as well as ocean currents and large climate patterns such as El Niño.
Which organizations operate the Jason-3 mission?
Jason-3 is a partnership involving NOAA, NASA, France's CNES and EUMETSAT. This combination links space engineering and ocean science with operational weather and climate services.
How does Jason-3 continue the earlier ocean-altimetry record?
The satellite extends the precision record established by TOPEX/Poseidon and continued by Jason-1 and Jason-2. Jason-3 launched in 2016 and overlapped with Jason-2 so measurements from the two spacecraft could be cross-calibrated.
Why does Jason-3 follow a repeating ground track?
A repeating orbit lets Jason-3 measure the same ocean corridors at regular intervals. Scientists can then distinguish changing sea level and currents from differences caused simply by observing another location.
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