The Ocean Surface Topography Mission (OSTM) is a joint effort by
four organizations to measure sea surface height by using a radar
altimeter mounted on a low-earth orbiting satellite called
Jason-2. The four mission participants
are:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA) National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) France’s Centre National d’Etudes
Spatiales (CNES) European Meteorological Satellite Organisation (EUMETSAT)
The Jason-2 satellite mission launched successfully on June 20, 2008.
This satellite altimetry mission provides sea surface heights for
determining ocean circulation, climate change and sea-level rise.
The Jason-2 satellite
is the follow-on to the TOPEX/Poseidon and Jason-1 satellites. The
research satellites, TOPEX/POSEIDON and Jason-1, have been
instrumental in meeting NOAA’s operational need for sea surface height
measurements necessary for ocean modeling, forecasting
El Niño/La Niña events, and hurricane intensity prediction.
Under the OSTM program NOAA will provide support from its satellite ground
segment capabilities for management of the Jason-2 Satellite flight operations
during its routine operational phases and to acquire, produce, and distribute
geophysical data in a manner beneficial to all interested users.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
(NOAA)