Once in orbit, Jason-3 will extend the high-precision ocean altimetry data record to support climate monitoring, operational oceanography and seasonal forecasting. This year Cnes is focusing all of its attention on climate in the run-up to the COP21 conference in Paris next December. Rising mean sea level measured by altimetry satellites is a clear indicator of global warming and the Jason-3 mission has an especially important role to play in this respect. Once again, Cnes has brought all of its expertise to bear in developing this new satellite.

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Jason-3 shipment left Cannes (France) by a cargo plane to Vandenberg (California, USA).

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. 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. By continuing long-term operational oceanography observations, Jason-3 will be 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 will deliver. Today, more than 10,000 people in more than 120 countries use altimetry data for a range of applications that are crucial for monitoring climate change, supporting ocean, meteorology and climate modelling, as well as operational oceanography. The launch date scheduled this summer will be announced shortly. The satellite will be positioned by teams at Cnes in Toulouse.

Further information:

• Mission: <link internal-link>Jason-3