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. Succeeding Jason-2, it boasts a number of enhancements to its systems and in processing of the data it delivers.

The satellite is built around a Proteus bus carrying a typical suite of altimetry mission instruments that will acquire 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.

From its launch to April 7th 2022, Jason-3 is located on its nominal orbit. From April 25th, 2022 (cycle 300), Jason-3 is on the repeat interleaved orbit that was used by Topex from 2002 to 2005, Jason-1 from 2009 to 2012 and Jason-2 from Oct 2016 to July 2017

Further information:

• G.Zaouche, OSTST 2011: Jason-3 overview, pdf
• F.Parisot, S. Wilson, OSTST 2010: Jason-3 and Jason-CS, pdf