NOAA Ocean Surface Topography Mission Jason-2 project overview

The Ocean Surface Topography Mission (OSTM) is a joint effort among four organizations: NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), EUMETSAT (European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites), CNES (Centre Nationale D'Etudes Spatiales), and JPL (Jet Propulsion Laboratory), to measure sea surface height by using a radar altimeter mounted on a low-earth orbiting satellite. The collection of high accuracy radar altimetry measurements is essential for global ocean circulation and sea surface studies. Current research satellites, TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason-1, have been instrumental in providing NOAA's operational need for sea surface height measurements necessary for ocean modeling, forecasting El Nino/La Nina events, and hurricane intensity prediction. In future, the Jason-2 satellite will replace current research satellites and NOAA has been entrusted with operational responsibilities for the Jason-2 satellite. The Jason-2 satellite is scheduled for launch in mid 2008. The goal of the OSTM/Jason-2 is to maintain continuity of the OSTM/Jason-1 and TOPEX/Poseidon satellite missions. This paper presents the Jason-2 Project Overview and effort performed by NOAA to support the operational Jason-2 satellite mission. For the Jason-2 routine operational phase, NOAA will provide complete ground system support including command and data acquisition, satellite control and monitoring, science data processing, data/products archiving and data/product distribution. NOAA will be providing these services by collaboratively participating with its partners in managing the satellite, and sharing the science data and products.