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.