JASON 3 experiment: Satellite information

The orbit is the traditional T/P-Jason orbit -non-sun-synchronous, 1336 km, 66° inclination on a Proteus platform. By succeeding Topex/Poseidon, Jason-1 and Jason-2, Jason-3 extends the high-precision ocean altimetry data record to support climate monitoring, operational oceanography and seasonal forecasting. Jason-3 is the result of a joint effort by CNES, NASA, EUMETSAT and NOAA, pursuing a heritage that has been keeping the oceans under close watch for more than 20 years.

Partnership is as for Jason-2, but the operational agencies (NOAA and EUMETSAT) take the lead; CNES serves as the system coordinator and all partners -including NASA- support science team activities. By continuing long-term operational oceanography observations, Jason-3 is a key element of the constellation of altimetry satellites in the years ahead. From June 2016, Jason-3 is the reference mission for the altimetry constellation.

Succeeding Jason-2, it boasts a number of enhancements to its systems and in processing of the data it will deliver. The satellite is built around a PROTEUS bus carrying a typical suite of altimetry mission instruments that acquires highly accurate measurements of ocean surface height to extend the data record compiled by Topex/Poseidon, Jason-1 and Jason-2. The orbit is the traditional T/P-Jason orbit -non-sun-synchronous, 1336 km, 66° inclination on a Proteus platform.

[aviso.altimetry.fr/en/missions/future-missions/jason-3.html] [aviso.altimetry.fr/en/missions/future-missions/jason-3.html]