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Jason-3

Jason-3

Extending the timeline of ocean surface topography measurements begun by the Topex/Poseidon and Jason-1 and-2 satellites, Jason-3 will make highly detailed measurements of sea-level on Earth to gain insight into ocean circulation and climate change.

Visit Mission Website
Jason-3 Foreground

Mission Statistics

Time in Orbit

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Launch Date

Jan. 17, 2016

Type

Orbiter

Target

Earth

Status

Current

About the mission

Extending the timeline of ocean surface topography measurements begun by the Topex/Poseidon and Jason-1 and-2 satellites, Jason-3 will make highly detailed measurements of sea-level on Earth to gain insight into ocean circulation and climate change.

The satellite successfully launched on January 17, 2016, and like its predecessors (Jason-1 and -2, and Topex/Poseidon), is a cooperative of agencies and organizations around the world.

Instruments

  • Altimeter
  • Microwave radiometer
  • Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite (DORIS)
  • Laser Retroreflector Array (LRA)
  • Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver

Mission Highlights

Jan. 17, 2016

Launch

Jason-3 launched successfully on January 17, 2016, from Vandenberg Air Force Base, California
Target: Earth
Jason-3

Interactive 3D model of Jason-3. View the full interactive experience at Eyes on the Solar System.