gov.noaa.nodc:Jason3-OrbitInfo eng utf8 series NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact HTTPS NOAA Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information custodian 2026-02-05T21:00:19Z ISO 19115-2 Geographic Information - Metadata - Part 2: Extensions for Imagery and Gridded Data ISO 19115-2:2009(E) Jason-3: Orbital Information, 2015-present 2020-04-27 publication 2014-10-10 creation NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:Jason3-OrbitInfo NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact HTTPS NCEI Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information publisher John Lillibridge NOAA Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) John.Lillibridge@noaa.gov https://www.star.nesdis.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Center for Satellite Applications and Research (STAR) website Institution web page information resourceProvider NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) website Institution web page information resourceProvider NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) https://ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) website Institution web page information originator NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) website Institution web page information originator NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations https://ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) website Institution web page information author NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) website Institution web page information author European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) https://www.eumetsat.int/ HTTPS European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT) website Institution web page information contributor NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) website Institution web page information contributor National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) http://cnes.fr/ HTTP National Centre for Space Studies (CNES) website Institution web page information contributor US National Aeronautic and Space Administration (NASA) contributor tableDigital This collection contains Jason-3 orbital information files, produced by CNES for offline (IGDR, GDR) data production. For GPSP1, intermediate level-1 data files are in "RINEX" format and from the Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver and are used to compute precise GPS orbits for the spacecraft. For TLE: Two Line Element files are used to determine the position and velocity of the satellite. Within CLASS, they will be used directly to determine each orbit's equator crossing longitude and time which subsequently are used to support spatial search. For MOE and POE, medium-precision and precision orbital ephemeris files are from the DORIS system. These data may be may be subject to access restrictions. This collection contains data information files needed for precise orbit determination of the Jason-3 satellite. Jason-3 is a collaboration between NASA; the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA); CNES; and the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites (EUMETSAT). CNES is providing the spacecraft, NASA and CNES are jointly providing the payload instruments and NASA's Launch Services Program at the Kennedy Space Center is responsible for Delta II launch management and countdown operations. After completing the on-orbit commissioning of the spacecraft, CNES will hand over its operation and control to NOAA. NOAA and EUMETSAT will generate the near-real-time products and distribute them to users. NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., manages the mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate in Washington. onGoing historicalArchive NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information ncei.info@noaa.gov https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/contact HTTPS NCEI Contact Information Information for contacts at NCEI. information pointOfContact daily https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/access/metadata/landing-page/bin/gfx?id=gov.noaa.nodc:Jason3-OrbitInfo Preview graphic PNG 0122598 NCEI ACCESSION NUMBER 2015-04-01 publication ALTIMETRY - SEA SURFACE HEIGHT SEA HEIGHT SEA SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY WAVE DATA WAVE DIRECTION WAVE HEIGHT WAVE HEIGHT - SIGNIFICANT WIND SPEED theme NODC DATA TYPES THESAURUS AMR DORIS LRA Poseidon-3B instrument NODC INSTRUMENT TYPES THESAURUS continuous derived products meteorological physical satellite data surface measurements theme NODC OBSERVATION TYPES THESAURUS Jason-3 platform NODC PLATFORM NAMES THESAURUS European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites National Centre for Space Studies NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution US National Aeronautic and Space Administration dataCentre NODC COLLECTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution dataCentre NODC SUBMITTING INSTITUTION NAMES THESAURUS World-Wide Distribution place NODC SEA AREA NAMES THESAURUS oceanography satelliteObservation theme WMO_CategoryCode 2012-09-15 publication DOC/NOAA/NESDIS/OSPO > Office of Satellite and Product Operations, NESDIS, NOAA, U.S. Department of Commerce EUMETSAT > European Meteorological Satellite Organisation dataCentre Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Data Center Keywords 2026 revision 23 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian EARTH SCIENCE > ATMOSPHERE > ATMOSPHERIC WINDS > SURFACE WINDS > WIND SPEED EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN WAVES EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN WAVES > SIGNIFICANT WAVE HEIGHT EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN WAVES > WAVE HEIGHT EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > OCEAN WAVES > WAVE SPEED/DIRECTION EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > SEA SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > SEA SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY > SEA SURFACE HEIGHT EARTH SCIENCE > OCEANS > SEA SURFACE TOPOGRAPHY > SEA SURFACE HEIGHT > SEA SURFACE HEIGHT ANOMALY (SSHA) Earth Science > Oceans > Bathymetry/Seafloor Topography > Bathymetry Earth Science > Oceans > Coastal Processes > Sea Surface Height Earth Science > Oceans > Ocean Winds > Surface Winds theme Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Science Keywords 2026 revision 23 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian altimetry climate change sea level theme None AMR > Advanced Microwave Radiometer AMR-2 > Advanced Microwave Radiometer-2 DORIS > Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated by Satellite GPSP > Global Positioning System Payload LRA > Laser Retroreflector Array POSEIDON-3B > Poseidon-3B Altimeter instrument Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Instrument Keywords 2026 revision 23 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian GEOGRAPHIC REGION > GLOBAL OCEAN place Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Location Keywords 2026 revision 23 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian Vertical Location > Sea Surface stratum Global Change Master Directory (GCMD) Stratum Keywords 2026 revision 23 Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Greenbelt MD https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD%2BKeywords HTTPS GCMD Keyword Forum Page Global Change Master Directory (GCMD). 2025. GCMD Keywords, Version 21. Greenbelt, MD: Earth Science Data and Information System, Earth Science Projects Division, Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). URL (GCMD Keyword Forum Page): https://forum.earthdata.nasa.gov/app.php/tag/GCMD+Keywords information custodian accessLevel: Public otherRestrictions Cite as: NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations; NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (2020). Jason-3: Orbital Information, 2015-present. [indicate subset used]. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-OrbitInfo. Accessed [date]. Distribution liability: NOAA and NCEI make no warranty, expressed or implied, regarding these data, nor does the fact of distribution constitute such a warranty. NOAA and NCEI cannot assume liability for any damages caused by any errors or omissions in these data. If appropriate, NCEI can only certify that the data it distributes are an authentic copy of the records that were accepted for inclusion in the NCEI archives. otherRestrictions Use liability: NOAA and NCEI cannot provide any warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of furnished data. Users assume responsibility to determine the usability of these data. The user is responsible for the results of any application of this data for other than its intended purpose. NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations; NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (2020). Jason-3 Ancillary Files, 2015-present. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-Ancillary. 2020-04-27 publication NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:Jason3-Ancillary https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-Ancillary HTTPS https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-Ancillary Related Jason-3 Data information NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations https://ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) website Institution web page information author NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) website Institution web page information author NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) publisher tableDigital crossReference collection NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations; NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (2020). Jason-3 Auxiliary Files, 2015-present. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-Auxiliary. 2020-04-27 publication NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:Jason3-Auxiliary https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-Auxiliary HTTPS https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-Auxiliary Related Jason-3 Data information NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations https://ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) website Institution web page information author NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) website Institution web page information author NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) publisher tableDigital crossReference collection NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations; NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (2020). Jason-3 Near Real-Time Altimetry Validation System (NRTAVS) QA Reports, 2015 - present. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-NRTAVS. 2020-04-27 publication NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:Jason3-NRTAVS https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-NRTAVS HTTPS https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-NRTAVS Related Jason-3 Data information NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations https://ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) website Institution web page information author NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) website Institution web page information author NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) publisher tableDigital crossReference collection NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations; NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (2020). Jason-3 Telemetry data, 2015-present. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-Telemetry. 2020-04-27 publication NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:Jason3-Telemetry https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-Telemetry HTTPS https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-Telemetry Related Jason-3 Data information NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations https://ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) website Institution web page information author NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) website Institution web page information author NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) publisher tableDigital crossReference collection NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations; NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (2020). Jason-3 Level-2 Operational, Interim and Final Geophysical Data Records (X-GDR), 2016 to present. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-xGDR. 2020-04-27 publication NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:Jason3-xGDR https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-xGDR HTTPS https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-xGDR Related Jason-3 Data information NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations https://ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) website Institution web page information author NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) website Institution web page information author NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) publisher tableDigital crossReference collection NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations; NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (2020). OSTM/Jason-2 and Jason-3 Documentation and Data Documentation Records, 2008 to present. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information. Dataset. https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/OSTM-Jason2-3-Docs. 2020-04-27 publication NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information gov.noaa.nodc:OSTM-Jason2-3-Docs https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/OSTM-Jason2-3-Docs HTTPS https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/OSTM-Jason2-3-Docs Handbooks and other documentation information NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite and Product Operations https://ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite and Product Operations (OSPO) website Institution web page information author NOAA/NESDIS Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution https://www.ospo.noaa.gov/ HTTPS NOAA Office of Satellite Data Processing and Distribution (OSDPD) website Institution web page information author NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI) publisher tableDigital crossReference program eng; USA utf8 environment oceans geoscientificInformation climatologyMeteorologyAtmosphere -180 180 -66 66 2015-04-01 Jason-3 is the fourth mission in U.S.-European Joint Altimetry Satellite Oceanography Network series of satellite missions that measure the height of the ocean surface. The mission will extend the time series of ocean surface topography measurements begun by the TOPEX/Poseidon satellite mission in 1992 and continuing through the JASON-1 and OSTM/Jason-2 missions. These measurements provide scientists with critical information about circulation patterns in the ocean and about both global and regional changes in sea level and the climate implications of a warming world. TOPEX/Poseidon and JASON-1 were cooperative missions between NASA and the French space agency, CNES. Additional partners in the OSTM/Jason-2 mission included NOAA and EUMETSAT. Jason-3 continues the international cooperation, with NOAA and Eumetsat leading the efforts, along with partners NASA and CNES. The primary instrument on Jason-3 is a radar altimeter. The altimeter measures sea-level variations over the global ocean with very high accuracy (as 1.3 inches or 3.3 centimeters, with a goal of achieving 1 inch or 2.5 centimeters). The Jason-3 satellite was launched on 17 January 2016 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 launcher, and was placed into the same orbit as OSTM/Jason-2, at an altitude of 1,336 kilometers with an inclination of 66 degrees, to provide virtually blanket coverage of all ice-free ocean surfaces. The satellite went operational on 14 October 2016. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information +1-301-713-3277 ncei.info@noaa.gov pointOfContact In most cases, electronic downloads of the data are free. However, fees may apply for custom orders, data certifications, copies of analog materials, and data distribution on physical media. Contact NCEI for other distribution options and instructions. RINEX 20080620 Receiver Independent Exchange Format 0.108 https://www.class.noaa.gov/saa/products/search?sub_id=0&datatype_family=JASON-ORB HTTP Web browser Order These data are available through NOAA's Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System (CLASS). Use the CLASS web interface to search for and order data by temporal, spatial and and other product-specific criteria. You may also create a subscription to order data on a regular basis. order https://www.ncei.noaa.gov/archive/accession/Jason3-OrbitInfo HTTPS Web browser NCEI Dataset Landing Page Navigate directly to the URL for a descriptive web page with download links. information series NCEI Accession 0122598 v1.1 was published. 2020-04-27T22:58:19Z asNeeded Metadata are developed, maintained and distributed by NCEI. Updates are performed as needed to maintain currentness. NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information custodian AMR AMR Advanced Microwave Radiometer The AMR is a passive receiver onboard Jason-2 (French-U.S. satellite launched in 2008) that collects radiation reflected by the oceans at frequencies of 18.7, 23.8, and 34 GHz. The AMR measures water vapor content in the atmosphere so that we can determine how it impacts radar signal propagation. Its measurements can also be used directly for studying other atmospheric phenomena, particularly rain. Jason-2 data are being archived by the NODC as part of the Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System (CLASS) DORIS DORIS Doppler Orbitography and Radiopositioning Integrated from Space The DORIS system uses a ground network of orbitography beacons spread around the globe, which send signals at two frequencies to a receiver on the satellite. The relative motion of the satellite generates a shift in the signal's frequency (called the Doppler shift) that is measured to derive the satellite's velocity. These data are then assimilated in orbit determination models to keep permanent track of the satellite's precise position (to within three centimetres) on its orbit. Jason-2 is a French-U.S. satellite launched in 2008 designed to measure rising sea levels and track the effects of climate change. Jason-2 data are being archived by the NODC as part of the Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System (CLASS). LRA LRA Laser Retroreflector Array The LRA is a totally passive reflector designed to reflect laser pulses back to their point of origin on Earth. It is used for calibrating the satellite's Precise Orbit Determination system. Jason-2 is a French-U.S. satellite launched in 2008 designed to measure rising sea levels and track the effects of climate change. Jason-2 data are being archived by the NODC as part of the Comprehensive Large Array-data Stewardship System (CLASS). Poseidon-3B Poseidon-3B Poseidon-3B altimeter The Poseidon-3B, supplied by CNES, is the [Jason-3] mission's main instrument, derived from the altimeters on Jason-1 and then Jason-2. It allows to measure the range (the distance from the satellite to the Earth's surface), wave height and wind speed.It This new altimeter implements a mixed mode allowing on-board automatic transitions between the Diode/DEM mode and the acquisition/tracking mode with respect to the satellite position. Indeed, Jason-2 uses the two altimeter modes, the "autonomous tracking" and the Diode/DEM modes, to improve measurements over coastal areas, inland waters and ice. But these modes have the disadvantage to be exclusive. https://www.aviso.altimetry.fr/en/missions/current-missions/jason-3/instruments.html Jason-3 Description: Altimetry satellite; follow-on of the TOPEX-Poseidon satellite and Jason-1 and Jason-2 satellite missions Country *: FR FRA 250 ISO 3166-2:FR (NODC ATDB=79) Platform Class *: 65-Orbiting satellite Operations/Responsible organization: Centre National d'Etudes Spatiales (CNES) Previous Name: N/A Commissioned Date: (2015-03) Current Length (m): Height: app. 4 meters Notes +: Jason-3 is the fourth mission in U.S.-European series of satellite missions that measure the height of the ocean surface. Scheduled to launch in 2015, the mission will extend the time series of ocean surface topography measurements (the hills and valleys of the ocean surface) begun by the TOPEX/Poseidon satellite mission in 1992 and continuing through the currently operating Jason-1 (launched in 2001) and OSTM/Jason-2 (launched in 2008) missions. These measurements provide scientists with critical information about circulation patterns in the ocean and about both global and regional changes in sea level and the climate implications of a warming world. The primary instrument on Jason-3 is a radar altimeter. The altimeter will measure sea-level variations over the global ocean with very high accuracy (as 1.3 inches or 3.3 centimeters, with a goal of achieving 1 inch or 2.5 centimeters). Continual, long-term, reliable data of changes in ocean surface topography will be generated and will be used by scientists and operational agencies (NOAA, European weather agencies, marine operators, etc.) for scientific research and operational oceanography for the benefit of society. TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason-1 were cooperative missions between NASA and the French space agency, CNES. Additional partners in the Jason-2 mission included NOAA and Eumetsat. Jason-3 continues the international cooperation, with NOAA and Eumetsat leading the efforts, along with partners NASA and CNES. Info Source: https://sealevel.jpl.nasa.gov/missions/jason3/ http://smsc.cnes.fr/JASON3/GP_satellite.htm The Jason-3 satellite was launched on 17 January 2016 from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California, on a SpaceX Falcon 9 launcher, and was placed into the same orbit as OSTM/Jason-2, at an altitude of 1,336 kilometers with an inclination of 66 degrees, to provide virtually blanket coverage of all ice-free ocean surfaces. The satellite went operational on 14 October 2016.