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.

Scientific Instruments

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