Jason-2 was successfully launched today at 7:46 GMT. Separation from the launcher and injection of the satellite into orbit occurred 55 minutes after launch, followed by the deployment of the solar array using a pre-defined on-board command sequence. All onboard parameters are currently fully nominal.

The OSTM/Jason-2 spacecraft separates from the Delta II rocket's second stage after an on-time liftoff from Vandenberg Air Force Base, Calif. Photo credit: NASA TV

The Delta II before launching.

• Nasa news: <link http: www.nasa.gov mission_pages ostm main index.html _blank external-link-new-window>OSTM/Jason-2 Mission Begins 
• Eumetsat press release: <link http: www.eumetsat.int home main media press_releases _blank external-link-new-window>Jason-2 successfully launched
• Cnes Jason-2 blog:<link http: jason2-cnes.fr _blank external-link-new-window> le lancement en temps réel