Spacecraft Jason 2 completes first surface maps of Earth’s oceans

William Atkins
Thursday, 31 July 2008 23:51

Science - Space

According to the NASA news release, “The satellite's first radar altimeter data were acquired just 48 hours after its launch on June 20 from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif., on a Delta II rocket. CNES processed the first test results, followed by more advanced data results a week after launch. The more advanced results were produced after calculating the precise location of the satellite's preliminary orbits. The satellite, its instruments and ground segment all are functioning properly."

Also, "After it has been fully calibrated and validated, the satellite will begin providing oceanographic products to users around the world.”

NASA discusses some background on the OSTM/Jason 2 mission within its news release: “OSTM/Jason 2 is an international endeavor, with responsibilities for satellite development and launch shared between NASA and CNES. CNES provided the OSTM/Jason 2 spacecraft, NASA provided the launch, and NASA and CNES jointly provided the primary payload instruments."

In addition, "CNES and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) are responsible for satellite operations, while JPL is managing the mission for NASA. Data processing is being carried out by CNES, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) and NOAA, depending on the type of product."

It continues, "After on-orbit commissioning of OSTM/Jason 2 is completed, CNES will hand over mission operations and control to NOAA, which then will join with EUMETSAT to generate, archive and distribute data products to users worldwide.”

Additional information about OSTM/Jason 2 is found at NASA Ocean Surface Topography Mission/Jason 2’s “Surveying Earth’s Oceans.”